Period Photos of People with Ethnographic Arms

[Ian]

Figuure 1. This is a well known etching of an Illonaon (Ilanun, Iranum) pirate that was published from a water color and ink sketch by Samuel Francis Marryat, a French artist who traveled through Borneo in 1848. The site of the sketch is indicated as Tampassook, Borneo. I have also extracted a blow-up of the sword held by this individual and the keris he wears at his waist.





Figure 2. This appears to have been that pirate's paraw. The figure aft looks very much like the individual in the initial picture, and is wearing identical clothing. At the bow on the lower deck is a large lantaka, a bronze cannon that was used widely in the South China Sea.




Figure 3. In another sketch, Marryat records a (not very friendly) encounter with a Datu (possibly the Sultan) in Bruni, and his retinue (1848). There is one fellow standing in his canoe who is carrying what appears to be a kampilan, and doing his best to look tough. The other standing figures appear to be women, perhaps the brides of the Datu/Sultan. An interesting composition that captures some tension in the moment.




Figure 4. "Procession of the Sultan of Gonong Tabor" (1848). Another Marryat sketch. The flag bearer in front has a sword while the other members of the party mostly carry a spear and shield, and wear a keris. The Sultan wears a sword and keris.



Figure 5. The last Marryat sketch I could find online was this one of Dayak women (no weapons visible).