Two Nice Goloks

CharlesS · 8th May 2005, 12:23 AM

Goloks are tools first and weapons second, but here are two nice examples I recently acquired. The shorter one is from Sumbawa with a simple horn hilt not worthy of the fine scabbard(and they do belong together), the other from Java, with a nicely carved and polished horn hilt and pamor blade in pattern "adeg" or "hairs standing on end". Both are very nicely balanced.

tom hyle · 8th May 2005, 12:29 AM

And they even have little hats, which may relate somehow to the pommel finials on the parang naburs?

BluErf · 8th May 2005, 03:20 AM

I think those are "makhota" (crowns). The forms depicted on the handles are most likely the makara, the vehicle of goddess Ganga. In Southeast Asia, at least, the makara is almost always depicted with a crown.

Conogre · 8th May 2005, 07:04 AM

I'd tend to agree with the crowns signifying "royal" or magestic beasts such as those ridden by deities as opposed to Batak influence.
Even in western hearldry beasts such as lions and elk are sometimes similarly displayed.
Both pieces are exceptionally well done, IMHO as well, and may well have been made for owners of royal bloodlines as well, although this, of course, is pure speculation.
Mike

8th May 2005, 12:23 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Two Nice Goloks Goloks are tools first and weapons second, but here are two nice examples I recently acquired. The shorter one is from Sumbawa with a simple horn hilt not worthy of the fine scabbard(and they do belong together), the other from Java, with a nicely carved and polished horn hilt and pamor blade in pattern "adeg" or "hairs standing on end". Both are very nicely balanced. Attached Images

8th May 2005, 12:29 AM	#2
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	And they even have little hats, which may relate somehow to the pommel finials on the parang naburs?

8th May 2005, 03:20 AM	#3
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	I think those are "makhota" (crowns). The forms depicted on the handles are most likely the makara, the vehicle of goddess Ganga. In Southeast Asia, at least, the makara is almost always depicted with a crown.

8th May 2005, 07:04 AM	#4
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	I'd tend to agree with the crowns signifying "royal" or magestic beasts such as those ridden by deities as opposed to Batak influence. Even in western hearldry beasts such as lions and elk are sometimes similarly displayed. Both pieces are exceptionally well done, IMHO as well, and may well have been made for owners of royal bloodlines as well, although this, of course, is pure speculation. Mike