Peurawot from Aceh

VVV · 5th January 2014, 06:57 PM

Good things come in pairs.
I have been looking for a peurawot for years and then I found two in 2013.
I know that Gavin has one, too (could you please post yours here?).
Anyone else who feel to contribute so we can have some more here for reference?

Michael

Maurice · 5th January 2014, 07:21 PM

That's a great one Michael. Congratulations. I was too late on this one... Great that you've got it!

Maurice

Rick · 5th January 2014, 07:41 PM

What is the handle material on the second one ?
It looks almost like akar bahar .

VVV · 5th January 2014, 07:58 PM

Thanks Maurice.
Rick, I am waiting for a "material expert" collector friend to come over and help me make up my mind about what it is.

Michael

CharlesS · 5th January 2014, 08:12 PM

Beautiful pieces Michael. First ones I've seen. I really like the scabbard carving.

I am assuming that these are utility knives?

asomotif · 5th January 2014, 08:36 PM

So that is where it went :-)

I also saw this "sold" item in Awe.
I missed out on 2 of them in 2013.

This here below is the other one that I noticed but could not buy.

Gavin Nugent · 6th January 2014, 12:49 AM

Michael, I will post mine as you ask later this week. Congrats on a beautiful example of a strong and interesting form.

Charles, I understand they are used for Betal Nut. Others may advise further.

Gavin

kai · 6th January 2014, 07:28 PM

Hello Michael,

Congrats, nice examples! I'm glad you snapped that up when most of us were busy with Christmas...

Your first one looks more like a rough specimen. I have a similar one of large proportions - what is the blade length of yours?

The second has the text-book (and status) hilt: curved away from the edge, with carved tampo design (pommel), and an - especially nice - sampa (ferrule) from suasa. I really like the variant scabbard carving! Please post some more close-ups of these features - thanks a lot!

The blade is much shorter than the hilt: Any hints that the blade tip got reprofiled?

Quote:

Anyone else who feel to contribute so we can have some more here for reference?

Yep, good idea, especially since there is quite a bit of variety in peurawot blades, hilts, and scabbards!

With the deeply appreciated and hopefully ongoing help of some very kind friends I managed to assemble a small peurawot collection. Will try to take pics when weather and time permits.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 6th January 2014, 07:44 PM

Hello Michael,

Quote:

I am waiting for a "material expert" collector friend to come over and help me make up my mind about what it is.

Agree with Rick [I wrote Willem originally - sorry for the error] that it does look a bit "suspicious"

- experienced seller says black horn though. If the hilt feels more like stone/bone (harder; colder to the touch), it most likely is Akar Bahar. Close-ups!

Regards,
Kai

kai · 6th January 2014, 09:19 PM

Hello Gavin and Charles,

Quote:

Charles, I understand they are used for Betal Nut. Others may advise further.

Peurawot come in very different sizes and blade/hilt configurations. Thus, I have a difficult time to see it as a specialized tool. I haven't found any historic records that mention that peurawot are limited to working pinang (betel nuts). Given that there is a broad variety of examples (from basic to high status, small to large, different edge/hilt configurations), I reckon it originally was more like a general utility knife with the main sidearm and the rencong taking over the primary and secondary weapon function, respectively.

It is obvious that the highly decorated status peurawot for nobility and other luminaries were important parts of the attire. I have no qualms to accept that in priviledged social strata these may have been mainly or possibly even exclusively utilized when chewing betel (pinang); with mere mortals, however, it seems to me that the peurawot was a Aceh piso: cutting anything that needed to be cut including the socially paramount pinang usage...

Regards,
Kai

asomotif · 6th January 2014, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Michael,

Agree with Willem that it does look a bit "suspicious" - experienced seller says black horn though. If the hilt feels more like stone (harder; colder to the touch), it most likely is Akar Bahar. Close-ups!

Regards,
Kai

????

I don't see anybody calling the hilt material suspicious. I am not anyway.

Best regards,
Willem

Maurice · 6th January 2014, 11:23 PM

Willem, why do you think it's "suspicious"?

I don't think so at all....

kai · 6th January 2014, 11:55 PM

Hello Willem,

Sorry for the glitch: I meant to respond to Rick's comment regarding the hilt material.

Quote:

I don't see anybody calling the hilt material suspicious. I am not anyway.

Suspiciously looking like Akar Bahar (at bit at least) - that's why I put "suspicious" in quotes. Forgot to add a smiley for increased safety though...

Regards,
Kai

VVV · 7th January 2014, 12:51 PM

Hi all,

I also "suspect" that it is akar bahar but I don't want to claim it until I am sure.
Here are some additional close ups regarding your questions on material, design and if the blade has been reshaped
(quite possible because this is not the traditional blade shape for this knife but a early/mid 20th C version).

On it's use, in all references I have read it is described specifically as a knife for betel nuts.
Maybe it had some status implications to have a separate knife solely for this?

I look forward to Gavin's and Kai's coming picture contributions.

Michael

Gavin Nugent · 7th January 2014, 05:13 PM

Very nice Michael,

I would, based on the images call this a horn hilt.

Gavin

Gavin Nugent · 7th January 2014, 05:24 PM

Michael,

As requested.

Horn, Suasa, timber and ink.

Gavin

kai · 7th January 2014, 09:07 PM

Hello Gavin,

Quote:

I would, based on the images call this a horn hilt.

I am now also leaning towards horn (despite the unsharp pics). Please keep us posted with the final assessment, Michael!

BTW, neat peurawot with beautiful scabbard and special hilt!

Regards,
Kai

kai · 7th January 2014, 09:27 PM

Hello Michael,

Quote:

Here are some additional close ups regarding your questions on material, design and if the blade has been reshaped
(quite possible because this is not the traditional blade shape for this knife but a early/mid 20th C version).

Thanks for the pics! I've seen the blade shape varying quite a bit with these - are you going to etch it?

Quote:

On it's use, in all references I have read it is described specifically as a knife for betel nuts.
Maybe it had some status implications to have a separate knife solely for this?

Yes, like I surmised earlier, it is quite possible that this was only used for this purpose by the upper strata of society. Not much else they are needing a knife for on a regular basis...

BTW, I've been traveling with a heavy betel user in another culture - the supply was coming ready to use from street vendors with not much to prepare. Does anybody know the traditional routine in Aceh when chewing betel in a social setting?

Regards,
Kai

Amuk Murugul · 8th January 2014, 01:43 AM

Hullo everybody!

Just a passing comment:

Peurawot, as its name suggests, was essentially used for carving/forming (hence the variation in blade-shape and size).
As for its use as a pinang cutter: I would suggest, more as a shaver, to which it would lend itself (in the absence of an implement specifically for that purpose).

It should not be confused with badik/rencong -type implements, which were designed for a different purpose.
Examination of the blade and handle should be a determining factor.

Best,

asomotif · 13th February 2016, 10:53 PM

Just adding an old picture from another thread

kai · 18th February 2016, 01:38 AM

Here some examples from my collection, finally.

Most are clearly status pieces while the last one appears to be a multipurpose tool rather than a specialised carving knife; note the similarity with Michael's larger example at the start of the thread (both blades not displaying the typical peurawot blade shape).

Regards,
Kai

kai · 18th February 2016, 01:46 AM

Here 2 more examples which seem to be related; arguably not peurawot in a strict sense but different piso types from Aceh: The first again a general purpose tool somewhat similar to the 2 larger examples discussed above and a status piso with Akar Bahar hilt (note blade profile and differently carved scabbard).

Regards,
Kai

Maurice · 18th February 2016, 12:27 PM

Some beautiful items you have there Kai.
Good to see that your camera is working finally. :-)

Here two that went through my fingers.
One has a hilt made of akar bahar and suassa, which has a length of 32 cm (in the scabbard).
The other one has no scabbard, a hippopotamus / suassa hilt, and has a length of 27 cm.

Kind regards,
Maurice

Battara · 18th February 2016, 12:59 PM

Wonderful pieces. I love the akar bahar and then the contrast between the ivory and the suassa!

Sajen · 18th February 2016, 05:44 PM

Some very nice ones from you both! Will post pictures of my example soon as I have it in my hands.

Regards,
Detlef

asomotif · 20th February 2016, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Here some examples from my collection, finally.

"some"... this means you have more.

impressive !

kai · 22nd February 2016, 12:14 AM

No worries, Willem, this currently is my whole peurawot line-up.

I meant adding some more examples to this thread though...

BTW, I especially like the scabbard of yours, too!

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 27th February 2016, 02:12 PM

Adding my humble example to this great reference thread.

Athanase · 9th October 2022, 05:33 PM

Hello,

I finally managed to get my first Piso Peurawot.

kai · 10th October 2022, 07:45 PM

Hello Séverin,

Very nice example! Let me know...

How long is it in total and the blade only?

I especially like the carving and hope someone can decipher the scripture.

Regards,
Kai

5th January 2014, 06:57 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Peurawot from Aceh Good things come in pairs. I have been looking for a peurawot for years and then I found two in 2013. I know that Gavin has one, too (could you please post yours here?). Anyone else who feel to contribute so we can have some more here for reference? Michael Attached Images

5th January 2014, 08:36 PM	#6
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,224	So that is where it went :-) I also saw this "sold" item in Awe. I missed out on 2 of them in 2013. This here below is the other one that I noticed but could not buy. Attached Images

6th January 2014, 11:23 PM	#12
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,330	Willem, why do you think it's "suspicious"? I don't think so at all.... Last edited by Maurice; 6th January 2014 at 11:46 PM.

7th January 2014, 12:51 PM	#14
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Hi all, I also "suspect" that it is akar bahar but I don't want to claim it until I am sure. Here are some additional close ups regarding your questions on material, design and if the blade has been reshaped (quite possible because this is not the traditional blade shape for this knife but a early/mid 20th C version). On it's use, in all references I have read it is described specifically as a knife for betel nuts. Maybe it had some status implications to have a separate knife solely for this? I look forward to Gavin's and Kai's coming picture contributions. Michael Attached Images

7th January 2014, 05:24 PM	#16
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Sir Henri Deterding's Peurawot from Kelling Hall Michael, As requested. Horn, Suasa, timber and ink. Gavin Attached Images

5th January 2014, 07:21 PM	#2
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,330	That's a great one Michael. Congratulations. I was too late on this one... Great that you've got it! Maurice

5th January 2014, 07:41 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,290	What is the handle material on the second one ? It looks almost like akar bahar .

5th January 2014, 07:58 PM	#4
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Thanks Maurice. Rick, I am waiting for a "material expert" collector friend to come over and help me make up my mind about what it is. Michael

5th January 2014, 08:12 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Beautiful pieces Michael. First ones I've seen. I really like the scabbard carving. I am assuming that these are utility knives?

6th January 2014, 12:49 AM	#7
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Michael, I will post mine as you ask later this week. Congrats on a beautiful example of a strong and interesting form. Charles, I understand they are used for Betal Nut. Others may advise further. Gavin

7th January 2014, 05:13 PM	#15
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Very nice Michael, I would, based on the images call this a horn hilt. Gavin

8th January 2014, 01:43 AM	#19
Amuk Murugul Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben Posts: 460	What's in a name? Hullo everybody! Just a passing comment: Peurawot, as its name suggests, was essentially used for carving/forming (hence the variation in blade-shape and size). As for its use as a pinang cutter: I would suggest, more as a shaver, to which it would lend itself (in the absence of an implement specifically for that purpose). It should not be confused with badik/rencong -type implements, which were designed for a different purpose. Examination of the blade and handle should be a determining factor. Best,

13th February 2016, 10:53 PM	#20
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,224	Just adding an old picture from another thread Attached Images

18th February 2016, 01:38 AM	#21
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Here some examples from my collection, finally. Most are clearly status pieces while the last one appears to be a multipurpose tool rather than a specialised carving knife; note the similarity with Michael's larger example at the start of the thread (both blades not displaying the typical peurawot blade shape). Regards, Kai Attached Images

18th February 2016, 01:46 AM	#22
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Here 2 more examples which seem to be related; arguably not peurawot in a strict sense but different piso types from Aceh: The first again a general purpose tool somewhat similar to the 2 larger examples discussed above and a status piso with Akar Bahar hilt (note blade profile and differently carved scabbard). Regards, Kai Attached Images

18th February 2016, 12:27 PM	#23
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,330	Some beautiful items you have there Kai. Good to see that your camera is working finally. :-) Here two that went through my fingers. One has a hilt made of akar bahar and suassa, which has a length of 32 cm (in the scabbard). The other one has no scabbard, a hippopotamus / suassa hilt, and has a length of 27 cm. Kind regards, Maurice Attached Images

18th February 2016, 12:59 PM	#24
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	Wonderful pieces. I love the akar bahar and then the contrast between the ivory and the suassa!

18th February 2016, 05:44 PM	#25
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Some very nice ones from you both! Will post pictures of my example soon as I have it in my hands. Regards, Detlef

22nd February 2016, 12:14 AM	#27
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	No worries, Willem, this currently is my whole peurawot line-up. I meant adding some more examples to this thread though... BTW, I especially like the scabbard of yours, too! Regards, Kai

27th February 2016, 02:12 PM	#28
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Adding my humble example to this great reference thread. Attached Images

9th October 2022, 05:33 PM	#29
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 408	Hello, I finally managed to get my first Piso Peurawot. Attached Images

10th October 2022, 07:45 PM	#30
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Hello Séverin, Very nice example! Let me know... How long is it in total and the blade only? I especially like the carving and hope someone can decipher the scripture. Regards, Kai