Spear head and sheath

Taffjones · 17th October 2012, 08:38 PM

Hello everybody decided to come out of the shadows(where i have been lurking for sometime) and have a go at posting.
Have had this item in my collection for some time. Could anybody help me identify it please and maybe give it a bit of a critique please. Some of the questions I would like answered if possible

1. What is it
2. Where does it come from
3. What materials is it made from
4. Is it new/old or somewhere in between
5. Is it a tourist grade item or intended for indigenous use

Thanks

Henk · 17th October 2012, 10:19 PM

Hi Taffjones,

Welcome to the forum.

It is a tombak from Java, Indonesia. The tombak itself is not new but has some age. You should stain it like a keris blade. Then you will see the pamor.
The scabbard is more recent. Nicely carved.
A friend of mine gave me a tombak with a scabbard similar to yours. The tombak he gave me was stained in Java an he had the scabbard also made there. Certainly not a tourist grade item.

David R · 17th October 2012, 10:21 PM

Nice item, congratulations.

Sajen · 17th October 2012, 11:14 PM

Agree with Henk, antique tombak with newer but well carved sheath, most proable from Java. Nice item!

Search with keyword tombak and you will see more.

BTW, welcome to the forum.

Regards,

Detlef

Battara · 18th October 2012, 12:51 AM

Great carving.

What everyone else said.

Atlantia · 18th October 2012, 01:12 AM

Nice Tombak. Love the scabbard. What does everyone think the wood is?

17th October 2012, 08:38 PM	#1
Taffjones Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Abertridwr Posts: 50	Spear head and sheath Hello everybody decided to come out of the shadows(where i have been lurking for sometime) and have a go at posting. Have had this item in my collection for some time. Could anybody help me identify it please and maybe give it a bit of a critique please. Some of the questions I would like answered if possible 1. What is it 2. Where does it come from 3. What materials is it made from 4. Is it new/old or somewhere in between 5. Is it a tourist grade item or intended for indigenous use Thanks Attached Images

17th October 2012, 10:19 PM	#2
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Hi Taffjones, Welcome to the forum. It is a tombak from Java, Indonesia. The tombak itself is not new but has some age. You should stain it like a keris blade. Then you will see the pamor. The scabbard is more recent. Nicely carved. A friend of mine gave me a tombak with a scabbard similar to yours. The tombak he gave me was stained in Java an he had the scabbard also made there. Certainly not a tourist grade item.

17th October 2012, 10:21 PM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	Nice item, congratulations.

17th October 2012, 11:14 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Agree with Henk, antique tombak with newer but well carved sheath, most proable from Java. Nice item! Search with keyword tombak and you will see more. BTW, welcome to the forum. Regards, Detlef

18th October 2012, 12:51 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,225	Great carving. What everyone else said.

18th October 2012, 01:12 AM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Nice Tombak. Love the scabbard. What does everyone think the wood is?