My Sumba collection and some observations

[Athanase]

Hello,
I have only 2 knive and one Kabeala, all are recent (between 1945 and 1990) and all in Bondokodi style. But they are never cut-out on the backside of scabbard mouth.
But I noticed that this area is very frequently broken on the scabbards of badik, mandau, kalasan etc... (at least on those that I own).
The cut-out can be made to limit the risks of breakage in this apparently fragile zone of the sheaths.

[Athanase]

For comparison here are pictures of my
The copper coins on the Kabeala are dated 1945

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Athanase

....But they are never cut-out on the backside of scabbard mouth.

Maybe a sign for the more recent date of your examples? I think that this cut-out is done to prevent any break you described? The cut-out on my examples is clearly carved and not broken.

Originally Posted by Athanase

The cut-out can be made to limit the risks of breakage in this apparently fragile zone of the sheaths.

I think that the cut-out at the edge is done to prevent a finger cut by using the knife since there is no guard which can prevent a slide of the fingers from the handle.

Nice collection, also when your examples are more recent!

Regards,
Detlef

[F. de Luzon]

Very interesting!

All the best,

Fernando

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by F. de Luzon

Very interesting!

Thank you Fernando, I've hoped that it would be of some interest for other collectors!

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

Thanks for posting your nice collection! I agree on all observations but believe we need to be careful with describing old Sumba blades as non-laminated: most likely they are laminated (low contrast and maybe limited welding) or at least likely to sport inserted edges...

BTW, a very nice shield! A pic of the backside would be very kind.

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

Thanks for posting your nice collection! I agree on all observations but believe we need to be careful with describing old Sumba blades as non-laminated: most likely they are laminated (low contrast and maybe limited welding) or at least likely to sport inserted edges...

Hello Kai,

thank you! The kabeala in post #4 went recently in my hands and coming from an old Dutch collection (collected before 1920) and get recently etched and show only a hardened edge, nothing else, also the two others don't show any sign of lamination. And like said, I've handled some others from old collections, not one I've seen where the blade was laminated. Do you have seen a kabeala with laminated blade? And I only have stated that my ones not laminated and that I never have seen one where the blade was laminated.

Originally Posted by kai

BTW, a very nice shield! A pic of the backside would be very kind.

When my time it allows I will take tomorrow a picture from the back side.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

A pic of the backside would be very kind.

Here you go!

[Robert]

Great collection of Sumba weapons you have put together Detlef. The way you have them arraigned on the wall of your home makes for a wonderful display. I especially like the one sword with the whale bone hilt, what a beauty it is. I think that the shield you have is only the third one from Sumba that I have seen. Personally I have only the one sword from West Sumba in my collection, but would like to someday be able to add a few more to keep it company. My only example (like one of the pieces shown by CourseEight in the link you posted) does has a laminated blade. As I have never gotten around to taking new photos of it after doing a little cleaning, will try to do so in the next few days and if you do not mind I will post them here for comparison. Thank you for postings these most interesting pieces not only for everyone's enjoyment, but also for later reference as well.

Best,
Robert