Balato for comments.
 

This is a bit of a mystery to me. Never had one before.
The hilt needs some repair and I'm beginning to think I've taken on more projects than I can cope with.
The hilt appears to have cracked straight up the middle. Presumably it's glued in place as it seems firm, although the crack is visible and filled with some kind of soft wax. Needs re-doing.

Anyway, I know nothing so please feel free to enlighten me.
Also, notice the carbon flaws in the laminations of the blade.

Thanks
Gene

Hi Gene,

interesting piece, seems to have a very short blade. I would be careful with reglue the broken handle since the wood have a nice patina. How thick is the blade? Others with more knowledge will be able to tell you more about this sword.

Regards,

Detlef

Hi Detlef,

Here's a picture of the blade spine.
Thanks
Gene

Hullo everybody,:)

I would call it a Balatoe Sala.

Best,

Hi Amuk,

please can you explain "sala"? I am not sure if I understand the word correct.

Regards,

Detlef

Guten tag Detlef, ;)

I am neither a Nias linguist nor a Nias smith.
The actual word 'sala' has many meanings depending on context etc. I don't know how/why 'sala' was bestowed on this blade.
All I know is that Balatoe Sala is a utility tool, 'golok' to the Soenda.
The other type is Balatoe Tologoe, used for ceremony/war.

Tschuss,

Selamat malam Amuk,

thank you very much for reply. I have thought you mean something different since I have had in mind the word with nearly the same writing in bahasa indonesia.

Thank's again,

Detlef

For all others: salah in bahasa indonesia means wrong or false.

Amuk,

'Utility tool' :(
You're breaking my heart tonight buddy! ;)
Best
Gene

Nothing wrong by this IMHO. It is just meant that this baloto is for every day use.

Detlef

Can you explain why this should be an utility tool???

LOL,

TBH many of this sort of item are multi purpose, aren't they?


What attracted me to this in the first place was actually the shape of the hilt. Looks like a stylised bird head.

Best
Gene

Hullo Gene,

Cheer up mate. You're just suffering from what I refer to as 'Occidental Syndrome';); a predispostion to view items as a weapon.

Do you believe that when Harold gathered an army to replenish his weary one on his march southward to meet William, that all the 'soldiers' were fully-equipped with regulation-issue and battle-ready?

I also recall the story of a Scottish farmer and his sons who held off an invading horde until help arrived. THEY used everyday tools; Plough and Yoke, I believe.:)

Generally, utility tools can be used as weapons. This, I think, is true globally, especially where the people are mostly farmers/peasants.

Best,

Nice example, with a very nice handle.
I would wish to get my hands on "utility tools" like these now and then.

Here is a thread with some info.
The hilt is a stylised "Lasara" / a myhtical beast/dragon ?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=lasara

ROTF!!!!!

Thank you for that diagnosis Doctor.
'Occidental Syndrome'..... Can I get a pill for that? ;)

Best
Gene

Ah, 'Lasara' Thanks Asmotif :D

Best
Gene

Hullo Gene,

'Lasara' on Nias, as I understand it, is the name for 'naga' (serpent/dragon) as well as for ship/boat. This may allude to Chinese origins.
BTW ..... there are a number of villages there called 'Lasara this' or 'Lasara that'.

Best,

Thanks Amuk.

It's an interesting stylised version of the usual hilts on these isn't it?
Does anyone know the significance? I've not seen one like this before?
Best
Gene

Gene,

Could you please post an image of the handle made from the front.

Sure thing :)

Really lovely handle.
Also the brass ferrule is wonderfully detailled.

As for the shape... could it be the battle droid Lasara :D

Thanks Gene, very stylish handle, I love it!


The reason why I asked you to show me a picture from the front, was to look at the shape. In this case it's getting narrower in the middle of the "beak".
There are also handles which are getting wider along the middle....

So here some Nias swords with "similar" handles which are getting narrower.
Source: the Leiden museum.....

Ah, I see Excellent, thanks for the examples.
How unusual are they compared with the more elaborate carved head hilts?
Best
Gene

ROTF!! "Roger Roger"

I've no idea.
I think the more elaborate carved ones are much more wanted in collections though!

Maurice

Could be that the elaborate are more wanted. No idea why, because personally I like them when they get simple and more stylistic.

The one Maurice bought recently really appeals to me.
As well as the 2 examples we saw last week at Bronbeek depot (check out Borneology at myribalworld.com)

Ps. the crack. Is it only on one side of the handle ??

Yeah, the crack runs all the way round. The hilt may have been in two parts at some point. There is a gap of about 2mm all the way round filled with some kind of brown wax.
Doesn't look like a tough fix though. It would look fine if it was re-done carefully and the crack was closed.

From an old thread, some other hilt types including like mine.
Interestingly, they have material wrapped around them too.
Significance?

Yes, it will certainly be worth the effort closing the crack.
It will also give you the possibilty to clean and preserve the tang.