Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

VVV · 26th January 2006, 09:29 AM

I have asked two experienced dealers in Asian arms about these swords and have recieved their replies.

One of them, Philip Tom, allowed me to quote his response:

"I see no Chinese elements, or even elephants, in these swords. They are indeed most unusual, and their general similarities lead me to believe (as a complete layman if not babe-in-woods regarding Indonesian swords) that they might represent a little known subtype from an obscure tribal group."

The other dealer also confirmed that they didn't look Chinese to him and that he could see resemblence to the Parang Nabur as well as the shape of the pommel reminds him of some of the daggers he has seen from Borneo.

Michael

PS Yes Ben, I know about your "genuine" straight Nabur that once was in Willem's collection. It's very interesting. When I used the term straight Parang Nabur it was more because I think that the Nabur is the closest in looks to these kind of swords (even if they don't have D-guard etc.).

26th January 2006, 09:29 AM	#6
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	I have asked two experienced dealers in Asian arms about these swords and have recieved their replies. One of them, Philip Tom, allowed me to quote his response: "I see no Chinese elements, or even elephants, in these swords. They are indeed most unusual, and their general similarities lead me to believe (as a complete layman if not babe-in-woods regarding Indonesian swords) that they might represent a little known subtype from an obscure tribal group." The other dealer also confirmed that they didn't look Chinese to him and that he could see resemblence to the Parang Nabur as well as the shape of the pommel reminds him of some of the daggers he has seen from Borneo. Michael PS Yes Ben, I know about your "genuine" straight Nabur that once was in Willem's collection. It's very interesting. When I used the term straight Parang Nabur it was more because I think that the Nabur is the closest in looks to these kind of swords (even if they don't have D-guard etc.).