Thread: What is it?
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Old 21st February 2005, 07:54 PM   #8
ariel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RSWORD
The hilt is not the typical Piso Podang hilt but it has some interesting features that make me think it is not strictly European. Rick's interesting anthropomorphic hilted Podang shows that there can be variations. His is an one of which shows there may have been some variation. The quillons have the general shape of those found on Piso Podang. The pommel on this example reminds me of certain toe pieces found on keris scabbards from the region. Also, the way the brass has been ribbed could be reminiscent of certain keris scabbards. The hilt very well could be Sumatran or Sulawesi and an one of a kind.
I agree: there is significant European influence. However, I also agree with RSWORD that there are too many Indonesian motives to be safely ignored: no matter what, the ends of the quillons and the hemispherical pommel do look Piso Podang- ish. Also, the crude leather-only scabbard looks very "native" too.
A hybrid.
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