Golok or Pedang (Indonesian)

Rick · 26th November 2005, 04:20 PM

This is a Pedang Spunjer .
The forms are numerous .

Sumatran perhaps .

I've got one of these clad in thin low grade silver ; the blade's a little different (thick and wedge shaped) ; shorter at 17" . The tip curves down to meet the upcurving edge . My example has a much more pamor like blade with no fuller and is shaving sharp .
A slight draw and snap of the wrist and it'll pickle chip a pool noodle effortlessly .

nechesh · 26th November 2005, 04:29 PM

I agree with Rick (i'm such a suck-up

), I would say this pedang is Sumatran based on the hilt design. Nice looking sword.

Rick · 26th November 2005, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nechesh

I agree with Rick (i'm such a suck-up

Sure you are wise guy .

I added a couple of pictures so I'm bumping this thread up .
Nechesh , remember we were discussing the re-use of the old lacquer 78 rpm records ?

I wonder about the material this Garuda hilt is carved from .

RobT · 26th November 2005, 08:15 PM

Hi all,
From more than one source I have heard this type of hilt called a makara which is a mythological beast that is part elephant, bird and fish. The Indonesian guy that sold me mine said it was from Java. Whether the blade was made there or that's just where he got it I don't know.
Sincerely,
RobT

RhysMichael · 26th November 2005, 10:19 PM

I have also heard it called a makara but always had it attributed to Sumatra, though the term makara also is used with tibetan blades for a crocodile

Here is some good information on the makara
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/taman.sari/utilities/naga.htm
You can see some here
http://www.geocities.com/keris4u/oth..._perak_voc.htm

Here is the one I have. It appears to be carved from horn but I do not know what type

nechesh · 26th November 2005, 10:28 PM

Rob, Jawa and Sumatran courts have shared much in common in the making of weapons for some time and the keris from the Palembang court took it's cues from Javanese styles. IMO this makara is very Sumatran in form. I would be willing to bet that is this pedang's source.
Sure Rick, i remember the discussion, but do you haqve any reason to suspect this one isn't made from horn.

Rick · 26th November 2005, 10:30 PM

Dominique Buttin has an interesting page regarding the Makara on his site :
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/taman.sari/utilities/naga.htm

Here's a nifty little Sumatran knife with a vegetal (to me they look like opening flowers) form hilt and scabbard.

And a head on shot of my pedang hilt ; the bird form is easier to see from this angle .

Rick · 26th November 2005, 10:42 PM

A bunch of people responded and I see that Dominique's site has been listed too !

Nechesh , the reason I'm a leetle suspicious of this material is that it's uniformly jet black , as is the material on the small knife .

I remain a little skeptical about some of these hilts actually being interpretations of the Makara .

nechesh · 26th November 2005, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I remain a little skeptical about some of these hilts actually being interpretations of the Makara .

I agree Rick, i think some of them are more abstract vegetative forms. I see what you mean about that hilt, though it would be tough to know without handling it.

26th November 2005, 04:20 PM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	This is a Pedang Spunjer . The forms are numerous . Sumatran perhaps . I've got one of these clad in thin low grade silver ; the blade's a little different (thick and wedge shaped) ; shorter at 17" . The tip curves down to meet the upcurving edge . My example has a much more pamor like blade with no fuller and is shaving sharp . A slight draw and snap of the wrist and it'll pickle chip a pool noodle effortlessly . Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 26th November 2005 at 06:38 PM.

26th November 2005, 08:15 PM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 548	Makara Hi all, From more than one source I have heard this type of hilt called a makara which is a mythological beast that is part elephant, bird and fish. The Indonesian guy that sold me mine said it was from Java. Whether the blade was made there or that's just where he got it I don't know. Sincerely, RobT

26th November 2005, 10:30 PM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Makara Dominique Buttin has an interesting page regarding the Makara on his site : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/taman.sari/utilities/naga.htm Here's a nifty little Sumatran knife with a vegetal (to me they look like opening flowers) form hilt and scabbard. And a head on shot of my pedang hilt ; the bird form is easier to see from this angle . Attached Images

26th November 2005, 10:42 PM	#8
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	While I Was Taking Pictures A bunch of people responded and I see that Dominique's site has been listed too ! Nechesh , the reason I'm a leetle suspicious of this material is that it's uniformly jet black , as is the material on the small knife . I remain a little skeptical about some of these hilts actually being interpretations of the Makara .

26th November 2005, 04:29 PM	#2
nechesh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 940	I agree with Rick (i'm such a suck-up ), I would say this pedang is Sumatran based on the hilt design. Nice looking sword.

26th November 2005, 10:19 PM	#5
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	I have also heard it called a makara but always had it attributed to Sumatra, though the term makara also is used with tibetan blades for a crocodile Here is some good information on the makara http://perso.wanadoo.fr/taman.sari/utilities/naga.htm You can see some here http://www.geocities.com/keris4u/oth..._perak_voc.htm Here is the one I have. It appears to be carved from horn but I do not know what type

26th November 2005, 10:28 PM	#6
nechesh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 940	Rob, Jawa and Sumatran courts have shared much in common in the making of weapons for some time and the keris from the Palembang court took it's cues from Javanese styles. IMO this makara is very Sumatran in form. I would be willing to bet that is this pedang's source. Sure Rick, i remember the discussion, but do you haqve any reason to suspect this one isn't made from horn.