Need Help Identifying the Origin of this Indonesian Sword

CharlesS · 3rd July 2016, 07:31 PM

The odd little Indonesian sword is an eye-catcher, but I have no idea of its origins and hope some of out Indonesian experts can help.

The sword is only 24in. overall, with a short, 14in., pamor steel blade. The large hilt is carved hardwood with an alloy metal ferrule.

The oddest thing about it is its scabbard which is tightly bound in cord, then lacquered and decorated with earth tone red curving lines down both sides. There are two belt loops, also once lacquered, and woven into the scabbard cording via some form of dried (grassy) vegetation.

I had wondered about a Toraja or even Enggano origin, but really have nothing to go on for either of those.

I would appreciate, and thank you in advance for any input on this unique piece.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 3rd July 2016, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

The odd little Indonesian sword is an eye-catcher, but I have no idea of its origins and hope some of out Indonesian experts can help.

The sword is only 24in. overall, with a short, 14in., pamor steel blade. The large hilt is carved hardwood with an alloy metal ferrule.

The oddest thing about it is its scabbard which is tightly bound in cord, then lacquered and decorated with earth tone red curving lines down both sides. There are two belt loops, also once lacquered, and woven into the scabbard cording via some form of dried (grassy) vegetation.

I had wondered about a Toraja or even Enggano origin, but really have nothing to go on for either of those.

I would appreciate, and thank you in advance for any input on this unique piece.

I noted the basic essential similarity (another way of saying I dont have a clue about this!!) in a sword I post here with a flat floral or flame shaped pommel shape? In the case of your example extending from the mouth of a beast?... perhaps a Yali? The oriental arts.com examples are perhaps more like yours but I couldnt upload the pictures...

Gavin Nugent · 4th July 2016, 10:28 AM

It certainly looks to be a Sumatran Hilt Charles but the rest, even in context, eludes me.

Gavin

mariusgmioc · 4th July 2016, 10:39 AM

Wouldn't this qualify more for a Sumatran Sewar (with a straighter hilt) than for a sword?!

3rd July 2016, 07:31 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Need Help Identifying the Origin of this Indonesian Sword The odd little Indonesian sword is an eye-catcher, but I have no idea of its origins and hope some of out Indonesian experts can help. The sword is only 24in. overall, with a short, 14in., pamor steel blade. The large hilt is carved hardwood with an alloy metal ferrule. The oddest thing about it is its scabbard which is tightly bound in cord, then lacquered and decorated with earth tone red curving lines down both sides. There are two belt loops, also once lacquered, and woven into the scabbard cording via some form of dried (grassy) vegetation. I had wondered about a Toraja or even Enggano origin, but really have nothing to go on for either of those. I would appreciate, and thank you in advance for any input on this unique piece. Attached Images

4th July 2016, 10:28 AM	#3
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	It certainly looks to be a Sumatran Hilt Charles but the rest, even in context, eludes me. Gavin

4th July 2016, 10:39 AM	#4
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	Wouldn't this qualify more for a Sumatran Sewar (with a straighter hilt) than for a sword?!