KARO BATAK / HYBRIDE SIKIN ATJEH ??

[kai]

Hello Willem,

Well it is the Atjeh blade that made it attractive for me.

Yeah, it's a good example of a blade type diffusing to the periphery of a regional power and beyond.

Especially the brass handle is very charming.

Yup, both examples highlight the propensity to utilize brass for some Batak status pieces. While yours shows a status crown/calyx with a hulu rumpung, mine seems to be an attempt at a hulu tumpang beunteueng with a Batak-style silver collar. I find it interesting that both examples emulate hilts from the greater Aceh region (rather than utilizing one of the many Batak hilts) while the other fittings are typical Batak. However, these hilts are also of Batak craftmanship (note that both exhibit a stronger curved pommel than genuine Aceh hilts).

Regards,
Kai