Parang, probably from South Borneo

[VVV]

Here is an unusual parang that I first suspected was the variation of the Sumba Kabeala that also could be found on Sulawesi.
But after discussing the motifs and style of it with Arjan we think that it probably is from the Banjarmasin area.
Any other feedback on this undocumented parang?

Michael

[RhysMichael]

A very nice piece. I have been told these hilts are stylized parrots heads do you know if this is true ?

[VVV]

Thanks,

I have heard so too. But regarding the Sumatran versions.

Michael

[Dajak]

Hi this is from South borneo area not from the dajaks

Ben

[VVV]

Hi Ben,

Yes, it's a Malay sword.

Michael

[VVV]

Here is another one that I believe come from the same place.
According to the article by Schmeltz from 1892 (the article that Flavio made available to us all - thanks!!!) those parang originates from SE Kalimantan in the old state of Pegatan.
He lists a resembling one (7a and b) as a Parang Kerekupang (whatever that means?).
Another name for a resembling SE Borneo parang is (Pisau) Kamudi Singkir (= Diagonally steer knife??? ).
See also Leiden 761-22, 781-85 and 761-27 as a reference.

Michael

[Dajak]

Hi I found information in an museum that these are from celebes

Ben

[VVV]

Hi Ben,

It's correct that a variation of these parang are found in Sulawesi too - see f.i. the pictures from Grubauer, Unter Kopfjägern in Central-Celebes, below (kopfjägern = headhunters in German).
But if you look close, like I know you always do , it's not the same parang. Even if they look similar from a distance.

Michael

[Ian]

Michael:

I'm interested in the emblem seen on the sheath of your first example. Do you know what the two four-leafed flowers might be called. There is a similar emblem on some Visayan sword sheaths from the Philippines.

Ian.

[Dajak]

Hi Michael it is more the scabbard and the pamor blade not much seen in Borneo

Ben

[VVV]

Hi Ben,

I agree that this kind of scabbard and pamor blade isn't what you usually see in Borneo. That's why I find these SE Borneo-Malay parang interesting as exceptions.

I assume you are still travelling, and didn't bring your own computer, so you can't check the references I have given above?
Here is the Parang from Schmeltz I referred to before.
The Leiden collection database is found on http://www.rmv.nl/

Michael

[VVV]

Originally Posted by Ian

Michael:

I'm interested in the emblem seen on the sheath of your first example. Do you know what the two four-leafed flowers might be called. There is a similar emblem on some Visayan sword sheaths from the Philippines.

Ian.

Ian,

I don't have a local Malay name for it (probably Bunga something? ).
In Juynboll's catalogue of the Leiden Borneo collection (German version) he just calls it a "rosette".
So does van der Hoop, too, in Indonesian Ornamental Design on a resembling motif from W Java.

Michael