Indonesian? Short Sword for Comment

A. G. Maisey · 7th March 2022, 07:57 PM

This hilt form is usually done in kerbau horn, when it has been done in Solo the carver will usually intend it to be a representation of the Rojomolo, the spirit of the Bengawan Solo (Solo River). However, it can be intended to be any spirit world form, any mythical form, or none at all.

This is an explanation given to me by several hilt carvers in Solo during the 1970's & 1980's.

As with many of these things, only the carver would have known the true answer.

Actually this particular hilt looks like the product of an owner of the pedang, not somethng done by a professional carver.

David R · 7th March 2022, 08:54 PM

I always find it interesting when something looks like a "user" rather than a "poser". I am profoundly ignorant of blades from this area, but also very interested in them..... to me this looks like a "user"!

RobT · 8th March 2022, 12:43 AM

A. G. Maisey,

Thanks for the hilt ID. I agree with you that it is likely a homemade hilt. As I said before, the blade appears to be older than the hilt. Perhaps the original hilt was damaged and sword's owner couldn't afford a professionally made replacement. The carver did a nice abstraction for an amateur but better still, if it is a homemade hilt made by a member of traditional Indonesian society for an heirloom blade, it is unlikely that the hilt shape would be culturally inappropriate for the sword. I still wonder about the oddly shaped steel ferrule however. Was it part of the original hilt or was it made by a local smith for the new hilt?

David R,

Users are mostly what I collect. I have a few "Prince's" pieces but I am mostly interested in the type blade carried by the professional soldier or the baker's son.

Sincerely,
RobT

A. G. Maisey · 8th March 2022, 02:18 AM

Definitely culturally appropriate.

I'd sooner not guess on the ferrule.

8th March 2022, 12:43 AM	#3
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 533	Thanks A. G. Maisey, Thanks for the hilt ID. I agree with you that it is likely a homemade hilt. As I said before, the blade appears to be older than the hilt. Perhaps the original hilt was damaged and sword's owner couldn't afford a professionally made replacement. The carver did a nice abstraction for an amateur but better still, if it is a homemade hilt made by a member of traditional Indonesian society for an heirloom blade, it is unlikely that the hilt shape would be culturally inappropriate for the sword. I still wonder about the oddly shaped steel ferrule however. Was it part of the original hilt or was it made by a local smith for the new hilt? David R, Users are mostly what I collect. I have a few "Prince's" pieces but I am mostly interested in the type blade carried by the professional soldier or the baker's son. Sincerely, RobT

7th March 2022, 07:57 PM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	This hilt form is usually done in kerbau horn, when it has been done in Solo the carver will usually intend it to be a representation of the Rojomolo, the spirit of the Bengawan Solo (Solo River). However, it can be intended to be any spirit world form, any mythical form, or none at all. This is an explanation given to me by several hilt carvers in Solo during the 1970's & 1980's. As with many of these things, only the carver would have known the true answer. Actually this particular hilt looks like the product of an owner of the pedang, not somethng done by a professional carver.

7th March 2022, 08:54 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,114	I always find it interesting when something looks like a "user" rather than a "poser". I am profoundly ignorant of blades from this area, but also very interested in them..... to me this looks like a "user"!

8th March 2022, 02:18 AM	#4
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,989	Definitely culturally appropriate. I'd sooner not guess on the ferrule.