Iban Piso Podang (big images)

asomotif · 26th May 2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

As this sword didn't originate among the Bataks, but in India, and as it is found independently, without any Batak connection, in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Brunei, Sarawak and Sabah I think it's incorrect to label it a Piso Podang (the Portugese influenced Batak term).

Michael,
I already hoped that you would step in. as you often have the more correct background info

Nice example Michael you have there.
Interesting is that the scabbard has no metal fittings.
Often to me that is one of the indicators for Borneo origins.

Quote:

The problem nowadays however is that among the tourist shops in Kuching Sumatran keris and swords are imported and sold as souvenirs also in Sarawak.

Yes, this development is really killing for collectors and for correct details.
A lot of the vendors appear to be from chinese origin, selling "original borneo antiques".

I encountered the same on Zanzibar, some 10 years ago.
Indian salesmen would sell woodcarvings, masks an statues from literally all over Africa in their shop on Zanzibar and sell them as "Zanzibar" antiques.
While in fact original items from Zanzibar where hard to find.

Best regards,
Willem

VVV · 26th May 2009, 07:23 PM

Willem,

Yes, I also thought that the metal fittings could be a Borneo indicator.
And then I saw one from Sumatra with resembling fittings...
But I agree that it's a common trait even if it's not a certain indicator.
Like the closed vs open cup pommel.

Michael

Dinggat · 27th May 2009, 09:48 PM

I am sorry to disrupt your discussion (which I enjoyed to read), but my question about the rust on the blade is still unanswered.

The blade was heavily corroded when I received it, but I want to preserve it in the best way I can. Right now I just regularly put a bit oil on it, but never dared to remove the rust. Would that even be necessary? If yes, what would the proper way be?

Or should I start a new thread on that matter?

VVV · 28th May 2009, 07:52 AM

I use soft steel wool and oil and then clean and check step by step how much I want to remove to still keep the patina.
If it's deep pitted you could use pointy chicken bones to scrape away the rust.
It's all a matter of individual taste how much rust to remove.

Good luck!

Michael

Dinggat · 28th May 2009, 04:21 PM

Thanks Michael, I will do my best not to destroy the blade.

26th May 2009, 07:23 PM	#2
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Willem, Yes, I also thought that the metal fittings could be a Borneo indicator. And then I saw one from Sumatra with resembling fittings... But I agree that it's a common trait even if it's not a certain indicator. Like the closed vs open cup pommel. Michael

27th May 2009, 09:48 PM	#3
Dinggat Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 29	I am sorry to disrupt your discussion (which I enjoyed to read), but my question about the rust on the blade is still unanswered. The blade was heavily corroded when I received it, but I want to preserve it in the best way I can. Right now I just regularly put a bit oil on it, but never dared to remove the rust. Would that even be necessary? If yes, what would the proper way be? Or should I start a new thread on that matter?

28th May 2009, 07:52 AM	#4
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	I use soft steel wool and oil and then clean and check step by step how much I want to remove to still keep the patina. If it's deep pitted you could use pointy chicken bones to scrape away the rust. It's all a matter of individual taste how much rust to remove. Good luck! Michael

28th May 2009, 04:21 PM	#5
Dinggat Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 29	Thanks Michael, I will do my best not to destroy the blade.