Unknown Sumba sword, Bondokodi?
 

Hello all,

I've bought 1994 in a antique shop on Bali this sword. The man have been from Sumba and have had in his shop only ikat from Sumba. When I am told him that I am interested in swords he bring from the back this sword and told me that it is a heirloom from his father. I've seen only one time a similar sword on e-bay, the seller named it "Bondokodi". It has had the same features, hilt carved like a male figure and scabbard mouth carved like a horse. I can't find something about this sword and all comments and manifestations would be appreciated.

Two more pictures. Dimensions: 74 cm inside sheat, blade 51 cm (29/20 inch).

Thank's in advance,
sajen

I WOULD SAY IT IS BATAK PEOPLES WORK, I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE JUST LIKE IT THIS ONE BEING A BIT MORE STYLIZED THAN THOSE I HAVE SEEN. THE HUMAN FIGURE HANDLE AND THE HORSE IS A COMMON THEME WITH THE BATAK SO EVEN IF IT WAS NOT MADE BY THEM THE INFLUENCE IS BATAK. SORRY I CAN'T PUT A SPECIFIC NAME TO IT. NICE ITEM GOOD LUCK FINDING MORE INFO.

For what it's worth, reminds me of a Valiant Co sword, supposed to be from the Moluccas. :shrug:

Thank's for comment, but it is definitely from Sumba. The conclusion from the seller was believable.
sajen

Thank's for the picture, seems to be the same kind of sword. From where you have the picture? You see that the title of the picture is "Klewang Sumba"?
sajen

You may browse Valiant Co's website to see more of them. Suwandi runs it and acquires the fine blades from 8 different locations in Indonesia. He himself lives in Australia, driven from Indonesia due to ethnic cleansing. The blades are all very good and usable. Yes it's a "klewang sumba", what struck me was the handle and horse on the scabbard. :)

Thank's for the link.

sajen

I agree that this piece is from Sumba; seems to have some age to it, too. (Despite being collected on Bali which nowadays seems to be one of the forgery hotspots in Indonesia... ;) )

BTW, the horse has a special status on many of the drier islands/regions throughout Indonesia. Batak work does look different.

Regards,
Kai

Yes, a modern version of this type.

Suwandi seems to have used the "Moluccas" category to pigeon hole pieces from none of the major islands rather than in a "geographically correct" way...

Regards,
Kai