Parang latok w/stag horn hilt

[kai]

Hello Ben,

Thanks for chiming in!

Angled, largest width <5cm Latok Malay, Melanau
Angled, largest width >5cm Buko Land-Dayak

I'm always a bit hesitant with rules of thumb since I'd expect that there may be some overlap at most thresholds...

Ian's example is quite slender and 41 mm might be safe enough to accept this as a Melanau piece though? The brass ferrule seems in line with Melanau craftsmanship, doesn't it? However, the very simple bone pommel strikes me as unusual since Melanau pieces seem to have neatly carved pommels.

Blade thickness seems moderate, too. Any idea?

Regards,
Kai

[Ian]

Ben,

You mention "Latok Malay, Melanau." When I look up "Melanau" I find they are an old race from Sarawak. Are they related to the Sea Dayak?

Now that you mention a more northern origin than I originally thought, the brass ferrule seems reminiscent of the ferrule found on pakayun from the Murat. Any connection do you think?

Thanks for your help.

Ian

[Dajak]

Originally Posted by Ian

Ben,

You mention "Latok Malay, Melanau." When I look up "Melanau" I find they are an old race from Sarawak. Are they related to the Sea Dayak?

Now that you mention a more northern origin than I originally thought, the brass ferrule seems reminiscent of the ferrule found on pakayun from the Murat. Any connection do you think?

Thanks for your help.

Ian

Hi Ian

There many weapons in North Borneo that have brass ferrule I also think there is connection with the Muruts and the other dayaks in the region.

Ihave an rare weapon from Borneo that was taken by an english sea man in 1820 never see any thing in the book but has also brass ferrule.

even on spears we see this.

[Dayaktribe]

i love the brass ferrule on the latok. Detail carving, nice find!