Sunda golok variations

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 02:17 PM

Hello dear members,

I have assembled some Sunda golok in the last few years, in the past they don't have been from great interest for me.
I have to state that this are very well worked blades and I doubt that only one of the shown examples are worked for those who travel.
I will show them piece by piece with a short description.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 02:32 PM

The possible oldest example in the collection, I would guess last quarter of the 19th century. Laminated blade, handle horn, carved as stylized makara, pierced through carved, low grade silver or mamas ferrule, scabbard two wooden slabs, two fine wooven rotan bands still present, scabbard mouth horn, foot (possible form from gobang scabbards) is missing.
58,5 cm inside scabbard, 55,8cm without, blade 42,5 cm, 9 mm thick at the base.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 02:47 PM

Second example I would place to the first quarter of the 20th century, very well worked example in all parts. Laminated blade razor sharp after I've polished out surface rust, handle horn with bone spacers, very fine and pierced through carved, shows as well a stylized makara, note the lying bird in up!, scabbard wood from two glued parts, scabbard mouth horn.
60,5 cm inside scabbard, 58 cm without, blade 41,5 cm and 7 mm thick at the base.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 02:58 PM

An example without scabbard, a piece which has seen extreme use, I would place it also at the first quarter of the 20th century, not sure about the blade but think it's laminated, very nice carved horn handle show makara. Bone inlayed eyes.
49,5 cm, blade 37 cm and 5 mm thick at base.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 03:10 PM

An example wich I would place to the second quarter of the 20th century. The surprisingly very well worked blade seems laminated, handle horn, simple carved as parrot head, wooden scabbard halfs hold from horn mouth piece and foot, horn bands around and a belt loop also from horn.
50 cm inside scabbard, 46 cm without, blade 33,5 cm and 8,5 mm thick at base.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 03:21 PM

An example either from second or third quarter of the 20th century, well worked but rough finished blade, unsure about the material, marked, note the spanish notch, handle from horn show a makara form, inlaid eyes, wooden scabbard halfs hold from several metal bands and foot, scabbard mouth from horn.
57 cm inside scabbard, 56,5 cm without, blade 42 cm and 6,5 mm thick at the base.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 03:39 PM

An example in the style which is most desired, easy to date, it's from 1909, handle and scabbard from wood, handle some form of makara, very well worked blade.
63 cm inside scabbard, 55 cm without, blade 40 cm and 8,5 mm thick at the base.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 03:41 PM

Overview!

Albert · 10th May 2020, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

An example in the style which is most desired, easy to date, it's from 1909, handle and scabbard from wood, handle some form of makara, very well worked blade.
63 cm inside scabbard, 55 cm without, blade 40 cm and 8,5 mm thick at the base.

IMO the handle represents a bird of prey with a crooked beak and stylized feathers on the hilt and the lower end of the scabbard.

Sajen · 10th May 2020, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert

IMO the handle represents a bird of prey with a crooked beak and stylized feathers on the hilt and the lower end of the scabbard.

Thank you for comment Albert!

Very good possible, at least it look like this. Any further information in this direction?

Regards,
Detlef

Rick · 10th May 2020, 11:02 PM

The White Bellied Sea Eagle is found in the area these goloks originate from; I agree with Albert that it is a raptor and certainly resembles an eagle's head. One of the animals that they prey upon is the poisonous Sea Snake. There might be some symbolism there to account for the use of the head of these birds as a decoration.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-bellied_sea_eagle

I have a golok like this one we're discussing; the blade is a bit shorter at 13" and Tjikeroeh is spelled out rather than abbreviated; mine has no date.

Hombre · 11th May 2020, 06:06 PM

Very interesting, Detlef! Thanks for sharing!

/Stefan

Sajen · 11th May 2020, 08:12 PM

Thank you all!

I've attached by each piece a picture from the scabbard mouth since I think it's typical for Sunda.

Regards,
Detlef

Royston · 13th May 2020, 06:42 PM

A couple of relatives. I have quite a few of this size and style. These are the only two with eagle hilts. Dark hilt is horn dated 1940, the light is wood 1930.
Regards
Roy

Sajen · 13th May 2020, 07:29 PM

Hello Roy,

Thank you for posting this two nice examples, a similar one is now on my wish list!

When you don't mind feel free to post your other examples as well!

Regards,
Detlef

DhaDha · 13th May 2020, 07:55 PM

In the same family as the third in the original post. But a blade variant. Would we still call this a Sunda Golok? I hadn’t held one before this. And I wasn’t able to put it down when I picked it up. Great craftsmanship overall. Cheers

Sajen · 13th May 2020, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DhaDha

In the same family as the third in the original post. But a blade variant. Would we still call this a Sunda Golok? I hadn’t held one before this. And I wasn’t able to put it down when I picked it up. Great craftsmanship overall. Cheers

Yes, a very nice Sunda golok, sadly it's missing the scabbard mouth. But still a very nice piece!

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 13th May 2020, 11:47 PM

Hi Detlef:

There is a related family of golok and sword versions that have European style hilts and also bear the name of Tjikeroeh or Cipitang. These appear to have been made for the Dutch Colonial/European markets and have been discussed here previously. Typically, these relatives come in plain black wooden scabbards with brass chape and locket. Some of them have clipped blades resembling the "Dutch klewang" used by colonial troops. Dated examples indicate manufacture at the end of the 19th and early 20th C, up to the 1930s.

Ian

Royston · 15th May 2020, 08:41 PM

Hi Detlef,
Here are some of them all of similar size. I am not certain that they are all from Sunda, but they are similar.

Sajen · 16th May 2020, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

There is a related family of golok and sword versions that have European style hilts and also bear the name of Tjikeroeh or Cipitang. These appear to have been made for the Dutch Colonial/European markets and have been discussed here previously. Typically, these relatives come in plain black wooden scabbards with brass chape and locket. Some of them have clipped blades resembling the "Dutch klewang" used by colonial troops. Dated examples indicate manufacture at the end of the 19th and early 20th C, up to the 1930s.

Hi Ian,

Yes, I know them, thank you for connect the two threads!

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 16th May 2020, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Royston

Hi Detlef,
Here are some of them all of similar size. I am not certain that they are all from Sunda, but they are similar.

Thank you Roy!

I think that not all are of Sunda manufacture, the down one at the second picture for example, I personally can't place it exactly.

On the third and fourth picture I also doubt that these examples of Sunda origin, one has an handle I've seen by rawits. The other one maybe Banjarmasin origin?

The one on the right at the fifth picture I guess is of Malay origin.

The one on the last picture look a little bit Visayan!?

But a big bulk is indeed from Sunda IMVHO.

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 20th June 2020, 01:22 PM

This two examples will enter the collection soon!

CharlesS · 20th June 2020, 01:42 PM

Some really impressive pieces! I bet you are having trouble finding space for so many blades...like me!

kai · 20th June 2020, 03:45 PM

Hello Detlef & Charles!

Quote:

Some really impressive pieces!

Yeah, some good and varied examples - will comment later.

Close-ups of the inscription on the last one would be good!

Quote:

I bet you are having trouble finding space for so many blades...like me!

No worries, I'm here to help both of you! Just give me a heads-up...

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 20th June 2020, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Some really impressive pieces! I bet you are having trouble finding space for so many blades...like me!

Thank you Charles!

And yes, indeed, space is running out!

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 20th June 2020, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Yeah, some good and varied examples - will comment later.

Close-ups of the inscription on the last one would be good!

Hello Kai,

Thank you as well.

Have attached a picture from the auction house, will post a better one when I have the piece in my hands!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

No worries, I'm here to help both of you! Just give me a heads-up...

Very kind!

But I am surprised that you still have space!

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 27th June 2020, 12:34 PM

Another one will enter the collection. Note the different handle style.

Sajen · 12th August 2020, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

This two examples will enter the collection soon!

Sadly they don't will enter my collection!

The auction house stated that a bidder in room bid the same amount I gave online.

Sajen · 12th August 2020, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Another one will enter the collection. Note the different handle style.

But I get this one, a nice example which seems to have seen a lot of action, see the pictures where you can see the edge.
Unusual is the handle which show indeed Makara instead of the usual seen bird of prey.
It's 66,5 cm long inside scabbard, 59,5 cm without, blade is approx. 44 cm and 9 mm thick behind the handle. A very well worked blade!

Sajen · 12th August 2020, 02:28 PM

A few more pictures.

10th May 2020, 02:17 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	Sunda golok variations Hello dear members, I have assembled some Sunda golok in the last few years, in the past they don't have been from great interest for me. I have to state that this are very well worked blades and I doubt that only one of the shown examples are worked for those who travel. I will show them piece by piece with a short description. Attached Images

10th May 2020, 02:32 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	The possible oldest example in the collection, I would guess last quarter of the 19th century. Laminated blade, handle horn, carved as stylized makara, pierced through carved, low grade silver or mamas ferrule, scabbard two wooden slabs, two fine wooven rotan bands still present, scabbard mouth horn, foot (possible form from gobang scabbards) is missing. 58,5 cm inside scabbard, 55,8cm without, blade 42,5 cm, 9 mm thick at the base. Attached Images

10th May 2020, 02:47 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	Second example I would place to the first quarter of the 20th century, very well worked example in all parts. Laminated blade razor sharp after I've polished out surface rust, handle horn with bone spacers, very fine and pierced through carved, shows as well a stylized makara, note the lying bird in up!, scabbard wood from two glued parts, scabbard mouth horn. 60,5 cm inside scabbard, 58 cm without, blade 41,5 cm and 7 mm thick at the base. Attached Images

10th May 2020, 02:58 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	An example without scabbard, a piece which has seen extreme use, I would place it also at the first quarter of the 20th century, not sure about the blade but think it's laminated, very nice carved horn handle show makara. Bone inlayed eyes. 49,5 cm, blade 37 cm and 5 mm thick at base. Attached Images

10th May 2020, 03:10 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	An example wich I would place to the second quarter of the 20th century. The surprisingly very well worked blade seems laminated, handle horn, simple carved as parrot head, wooden scabbard halfs hold from horn mouth piece and foot, horn bands around and a belt loop also from horn. 50 cm inside scabbard, 46 cm without, blade 33,5 cm and 8,5 mm thick at base. Attached Images

10th May 2020, 03:21 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	An example either from second or third quarter of the 20th century, well worked but rough finished blade, unsure about the material, marked, note the spanish notch, handle from horn show a makara form, inlaid eyes, wooden scabbard halfs hold from several metal bands and foot, scabbard mouth from horn. 57 cm inside scabbard, 56,5 cm without, blade 42 cm and 6,5 mm thick at the base. Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 10th May 2020 at 04:41 PM. Reason: add pictures

10th May 2020, 03:39 PM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	An example in the style which is most desired, easy to date, it's from 1909, handle and scabbard from wood, handle some form of makara, very well worked blade. 63 cm inside scabbard, 55 cm without, blade 40 cm and 8,5 mm thick at the base. Attached Images

10th May 2020, 03:41 PM	#8
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	Overview! Attached Images

10th May 2020, 11:02 PM	#11
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	The White Bellied Sea Eagle is found in the area these goloks originate from; I agree with Albert that it is a raptor and certainly resembles an eagle's head. One of the animals that they prey upon is the poisonous Sea Snake. There might be some symbolism there to account for the use of the head of these birds as a decoration. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-bellied_sea_eagle I have a golok like this one we're discussing; the blade is a bit shorter at 13" and Tjikeroeh is spelled out rather than abbreviated; mine has no date. Last edited by Rick; 10th May 2020 at 11:20 PM.

11th May 2020, 06:06 PM	#12
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Very interesting, Detlef! Thanks for sharing! /Stefan

11th May 2020, 08:12 PM	#13
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	Thank you all! I've attached by each piece a picture from the scabbard mouth since I think it's typical for Sunda. Regards, Detlef

13th May 2020, 06:42 PM	#14
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	A couple of relatives. I have quite a few of this size and style. These are the only two with eagle hilts. Dark hilt is horn dated 1940, the light is wood 1930. Regards Roy Attached Images

13th May 2020, 07:29 PM	#15
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	Hello Roy, Thank you for posting this two nice examples, a similar one is now on my wish list! When you don't mind feel free to post your other examples as well! Regards, Detlef

13th May 2020, 07:55 PM	#16
DhaDha Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 165	In the same family as the third in the original post. But a blade variant. Would we still call this a Sunda Golok? I hadn’t held one before this. And I wasn’t able to put it down when I picked it up. Great craftsmanship overall. Cheers Attached Images

13th May 2020, 11:47 PM	#18
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	Hi Detlef: There is a related family of golok and sword versions that have European style hilts and also bear the name of Tjikeroeh or Cipitang. These appear to have been made for the Dutch Colonial/European markets and have been discussed here previously. Typically, these relatives come in plain black wooden scabbards with brass chape and locket. Some of them have clipped blades resembling the "Dutch klewang" used by colonial troops. Dated examples indicate manufacture at the end of the 19th and early 20th C, up to the 1930s. Ian

15th May 2020, 08:41 PM	#19
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	SOME MORE Hi Detlef, Here are some of them all of similar size. I am not certain that they are all from Sunda, but they are similar. Attached Images

20th June 2020, 01:22 PM	#22
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	This two examples will enter the collection soon! Attached Images

20th June 2020, 01:42 PM	#23
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Some really impressive pieces! I bet you are having trouble finding space for so many blades...like me!

27th June 2020, 12:34 PM	#27
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	Another one will enter the collection. Note the different handle style. Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 27th June 2020 at 12:59 PM.

12th August 2020, 02:28 PM	#30
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	A few more pictures. Attached Images