Sikin Panjang

[RhysMichael]

Originally Posted by Flavio

Thank you Michael Here are some pictures of the back, but i don't think that is a "true" azimat, since seems to me that in each space there is only a decorative sign, but maybe i'm wrong .

I think you are right looking at the closer pictures it looks like it was done to resemble an azimat. There may however be some numerlogical significance to the rows and spacing of it. Someone who knows more about this than I do will have to answer that. Still a very nice sword and sheath and one I would be proud to have.

Utami
Please let me know if the terms I have are not correct or if they are a dialect other than Aceh. You have been a great help on this in the past. I don't speak the language and many who wrote the references did not either. So some of the sources out there mix terms from different dialects. I am trying to use the Aceh terms when I can find them as the sword is mainly atributed to the Aceh.

Thanks

[asomotif]

Can anyone tell me what the carving on my scabbard means ?
Best regards,
Willem

[RhysMichael]

Originally Posted by asomotif

Can anyone tell me what the carving on my scabbard means ?
Best regards,
Willem

Willem
I am at work a 48 now but when I get home I will check and see if I have anything on these motifs in the books by either Smith or Leigh

[asomotif]

Thanks !

[RhysMichael]

Originally Posted by asomotif

Can anyone tell me what the carving on my scabbard means ?
Best regards,
Willem

Willem
Here is what I can find I am afraid it is not specific to your design

Originally Posted by Liegh in [I

HANDS OF TIME[/I]] The motifs in Aceh fall into 5 categories: geometric, vegetable life, bird life, other faunal life and finally explicitly Islamic motifs

She goes on to note that geographic motifs can be traced back to the Dongson period of design dated about 300 BC. Floral designs which I feel the scabbard above and the designs on the one you posted are often interpreted as depicting images from the garden of paradise. Barbara Leigh uses this description which I think fits the scabbard designes

Originally Posted by Liegh in [I

HANDS OF TIME[/I]]stylised floral, leaf and vine motifs meander with beauty and ease

There are specific plants that have meaning ( the tree of life, lotus bud, and bamboo).

The pattern in the picture you post ( resembling an X ) may be bungong keupala( "Aceh - Art and Culture" by Holly s. Smith

I know this is not much, I am looking for Van der Hoop's work ( Indonesian Ornamental Design 1949). that may have more for us. If I find more I will post it

[paolo]

The hilt of my short Sumatra klewang has a carving like Willem scabbard.
Regards
Paolo

[RhysMichael]

Originally Posted by paolo

The hilt of my short Sumatra klewang has a carving like Willem scabbard.
Regards
Paolo

I think that hilt is style is called hulu babah buya ( hulu serampang in Gayo). Again it is a stylised representation of an open animal mouth maybe the crocodile. I agree that the motif on it is very similar to the design I have seen called bungong keupala

[paolo]

Thank You for the inputs.
Regards
Paolo