Parang? Java? Bali?

Jerseyman · 9th September 2016, 08:37 PM

A small Indonesian blade - parang? I would welcome input for a proper identification.

A very nice laminated blade - badly over-cleaned by a previous owner - but at least it makes the blade structure very clear - much more so than is apparent in the photos. In fact it made it very difficult to photograph as it reflected too much. Very reminiscent of the Himalayan hairpin blades (without the bend of course).

Tangent - I've heard pamor used to describe laminated blades from this part of the world generally. Would that be incorrect? A Malay term used to describe two different metals together I believed. Not a term for Indonesian blades or simple laminated blades? Happy to be corrected.

Back to the weapon - hilt carved of buffalo horn I think. Three small losses. I find it quite amazing that the little duck-bill nose has survived intact. The eye inlays seem to be bone and a black wood. This face reminds me very strongly of Balinese shadow puppets. Not personally come across a face like this on a hilt, though I'm sure others exist.

All thoughts welcome.

Dimensions

Length - 22.8"/579mm
Blade length - 17.5"/445mm
Hilt length - 5.3"/135mm
Blade depth (narrowest) - 0.85"/22mm
Blade depth (widest) - 1.1"/28mm
Blade width (hilt) - 0.25"/6mm
Blade width (tip) - 0.08"/2mm

Jerseyman · 9th September 2016, 08:40 PM

More pics

Battara · 9th September 2016, 10:26 PM

I think this is Javanese.

Maurice · 9th September 2016, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I think this is Javanese.

Yes it is Javanese.
I had one with a thick brass ring through the holes in the hilt.

Regards,
Maurice

A. G. Maisey · 10th September 2016, 05:32 AM

I tend to think that this is Sunda, rather than Jawa.

Sajen · 10th September 2016, 10:17 AM

Agree with Alan, Sundanese, could be also from Cirebon. In my opinion isn't the blade overcleaned. I personally would remove the remaining rust and would give the blade an etch to highlight the lamination.
To bad that you don't have the scabbard. Nice piece, congrats.

Regards,
Detlef

9th September 2016, 08:37 PM	#1
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Parang? Java? Bali? A small Indonesian blade - parang? I would welcome input for a proper identification. A very nice laminated blade - badly over-cleaned by a previous owner - but at least it makes the blade structure very clear - much more so than is apparent in the photos. In fact it made it very difficult to photograph as it reflected too much. Very reminiscent of the Himalayan hairpin blades (without the bend of course). Tangent - I've heard pamor used to describe laminated blades from this part of the world generally. Would that be incorrect? A Malay term used to describe two different metals together I believed. Not a term for Indonesian blades or simple laminated blades? Happy to be corrected. Back to the weapon - hilt carved of buffalo horn I think. Three small losses. I find it quite amazing that the little duck-bill nose has survived intact. The eye inlays seem to be bone and a black wood. This face reminds me very strongly of Balinese shadow puppets. Not personally come across a face like this on a hilt, though I'm sure others exist. All thoughts welcome. Dimensions Length - 22.8"/579mm Blade length - 17.5"/445mm Hilt length - 5.3"/135mm Blade depth (narrowest) - 0.85"/22mm Blade depth (widest) - 1.1"/28mm Blade width (hilt) - 0.25"/6mm Blade width (tip) - 0.08"/2mm Attached Images

9th September 2016, 08:40 PM	#2
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	More pics Attached Images

9th September 2016, 10:26 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	I think this is Javanese.

10th September 2016, 05:32 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	I tend to think that this is Sunda, rather than Jawa.

10th September 2016, 10:17 AM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Agree with Alan, Sundanese, could be also from Cirebon. In my opinion isn't the blade overcleaned. I personally would remove the remaining rust and would give the blade an etch to highlight the lamination. To bad that you don't have the scabbard. Nice piece, congrats. Regards, Detlef