Batak Sword?

Bill M · 16th April 2007, 10:44 AM

Got this yesterday at an antiques show. I am pretty certain the piece is Batak by the blade shape, yet can not find pictures in my reference books.

I like the small face (about 1/2 inch high) in the mouth of the serpent.

Comments?

19.5 inches overall in scabbard.

VVV · 16th April 2007, 12:25 PM

Bill,

It looks to me like a Kalasan where the hilt has been recarved inspired by Nias motifs?
Or maybe the hilt has been changed?

Michael

RhysMichael · 16th April 2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Marsh

Got this yesterday at an antiques show. I am pretty certain the piece is Batak by the blade shape, yet can not find pictures in my reference books.

I like the small face (about 1/2 inch high) in the mouth of the serpent.

Comments?

19.5 inches overall in scabbard.

An interesting version for sure, congratulations
As to references "Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipeligo" by Van Zonneveld pg 59 is a good start

Here is one on Atzi's site
http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=1991

kronckew · 16th April 2007, 11:26 PM

se asian flyssa? same blade shape a few thousand miles apart. i want one.....

spiral · 16th April 2007, 11:29 PM

Nice Bill, love the hilt

Is it wood or horn?

Spiral

katana · 16th April 2007, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

se asian flyssa? same blade shape a few thousand miles apart. i want one.....

Doesn't it just.......very nice Bill....I too, think the hilt is superb

Yannis · 17th April 2007, 02:25 AM

I saw the movie "Allien III" yesterday in TV. Bill, are you sure that does not bite?

asomotif · 18th April 2007, 11:31 AM

very nice sword !
Congratulations.

batak religion is a mystery to me, but internet helps a lot

:

The cosmological order is represented in religious art forms. The gable ends of traditional houses are richly decorated with the cosmic serpent Naga Padoha carved in wood or in mosaic, lizards, double spirals, female breasts, and the head of the singa, a monster with protruding eyes that is part human, part water buffalo, and part crocodile or lizard. Other wooden sculptures, dances, ritual speeches, and gift-giving ceremonies reflect this cosmological order.

Is the snake in this hilt eating the person or maybe giving birth in a strange way ? Anyone who knows this ?

Best regards,
Willem

16th April 2007, 10:44 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Batak Sword? Got this yesterday at an antiques show. I am pretty certain the piece is Batak by the blade shape, yet can not find pictures in my reference books. I like the small face (about 1/2 inch high) in the mouth of the serpent. Comments? 19.5 inches overall in scabbard. Attached Images

18th April 2007, 11:31 AM	#8
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Batak religion very nice sword ! Congratulations. batak religion is a mystery to me, but internet helps a lot : The cosmological order is represented in religious art forms. The gable ends of traditional houses are richly decorated with the cosmic serpent Naga Padoha carved in wood or in mosaic, lizards, double spirals, female breasts, and the head of the singa, a monster with protruding eyes that is part human, part water buffalo, and part crocodile or lizard. Other wooden sculptures, dances, ritual speeches, and gift-giving ceremonies reflect this cosmological order. Is the snake in this hilt eating the person or maybe giving birth in a strange way ? Anyone who knows this ? Best regards, Willem

16th April 2007, 12:25 PM	#2
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Bill, It looks to me like a Kalasan where the hilt has been recarved inspired by Nias motifs? Or maybe the hilt has been changed? Michael

16th April 2007, 11:26 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,186	se asian flyssa? same blade shape a few thousand miles apart. i want one.....

16th April 2007, 11:29 PM	#5
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Nice Bill, love the hilt Is it wood or horn? Spiral

17th April 2007, 02:25 AM	#7
Yannis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Athens Greece Posts: 479	I saw the movie "Allien III" yesterday in TV. Bill, are you sure that does not bite?