Differencies(?) between Gayo or Aceh Rencong ?

SwordZ · 23rd November 2009, 06:42 AM

Dear Forumates,

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=rencong

On above Eric thread`s, the last post is about the Gayo v.s Aceh rencong.

Actually , were there any differencies ?

Last week on Meulaboh, Aceh, I found an interesting rencong , they said that`s Gayo Rencong and called it "Rencong Pisang" ( pisang , literally translate to = banana ? ), the shape remind me on Michael posting.

Looking for any enlightmen.

Rgds
Jhony

VVV · 23rd November 2009, 08:50 PM

I found out later that the one Erik asked about was Gayo.
Otherwise I still haven't found any 100% sure way to separate them.
Yours is a bit difficult too as it doesn't look as old as the ones in the reference works.
But the sheath might be Gayo? The ivory hilt however looks more like a "modern"
interpretation to me, but I might be wrong?

Michael

SwordZ · 25th November 2009, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVV

... the sheath might be Gayo? The ivory hilt however looks more like a "modern" interpretation to me, but I might be wrong?

Michael

May i know, what make you think this is a "modern" interpretation ?

Here the close up of the hilt, the fitting seems restored , supposed to prevent further crack on the hilt ?

Rgds
Jhony

erikscollectables · 25th November 2009, 09:07 AM

There seems to be subtle differences between Gayo and Aceh pieces.
Most examples of a hulu dandan like the piece of Michael seem to be gayo.
Also the goldwork near the base on his piece seems to be typical of Gayo pieces.
There is little real literature I know of that sheds light on this question though...

Your sheath seems very Gayo to me.
Also the copper crown is what I think to be gayo (but based on very little knowledge!)
The handle looks very much like the sheath decoration on some sumatran sewars.

I have a similair question about the difference between Batak and Gayo lopah's. I will make a post about those.

Regards, Erik

VVV · 25th November 2009, 10:01 AM

As Erik also indicated this floral design style reminds of other weapons than rencong and other regions than Aceh.
I also think the ivory looks unnaturally aged.
But maybe I am wrong as it's only based on your pictures?

Michael

asomotif · 25th November 2009, 08:26 PM

Dear Jhony,

I have similar feelings as Michael regarding this rencong.

The ivory handle and scabbard have a strange color.
The carving of the handle is very unusual.
That, together with the very rusty blade and the fact that it has been recenlty acquired in Aceh makes me suspicious.

As for the gayo aspect.
I am much less of a reader than Michael and Erik.
So my knowledge is limited and only based on specimins I have seen in collections and books.

But I agree, the scabbard makes one think of gayo, but the blade and handle not.

kai · 25th November 2009, 10:24 PM

I'd also guess that the blade originates from Aceh. It may be old but I'd guess that the base has been reworked by someone of lesser skill and/or knowledge.

It would certainly be interesting to have the age and source of the ivory checked in a specialized research lab. IMHO, the metal decoration at the base of the hilt also doesn't show traditional craftmanship and may be a rather late restoration attempt. I also have my doubts regarding the scabbard, sorry.

Regards,
Kai

SwordZ · 26th November 2009, 04:32 AM

Thanks all for nice and friendly comment.

My novice eyes cann't spot the artificial aged on handle

Yeah, the handle carving seems very similar with what usually found on sewah or tumbuk lada.

Well, what a price for learning.

And i note another thread about the ethical "rule" on this community , you all have my assured this "modern" interprated goods will not showing up for sale.

I knowing well the previous owner, might could be returned ....

Rgds
Jhony

23rd November 2009, 06:42 AM	#1
SwordZ Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 16	Differencies(?) between Gayo or Aceh Rencong ? Dear Forumates, http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=rencong On above Eric thread`s, the last post is about the Gayo v.s Aceh rencong. Actually , were there any differencies ? Last week on Meulaboh, Aceh, I found an interesting rencong , they said that`s Gayo Rencong and called it "Rencong Pisang" ( pisang , literally translate to = banana ? ), the shape remind me on Michael posting. Looking for any enlightmen. Rgds Jhony Attached Images

25th November 2009, 09:07 AM	#4
erikscollectables Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 318	gayo? There seems to be subtle differences between Gayo and Aceh pieces. Most examples of a hulu dandan like the piece of Michael seem to be gayo. Also the goldwork near the base on his piece seems to be typical of Gayo pieces. There is little real literature I know of that sheds light on this question though... Your sheath seems very Gayo to me. Also the copper crown is what I think to be gayo (but based on very little knowledge!) The handle looks very much like the sheath decoration on some sumatran sewars. I have a similair question about the difference between Batak and Gayo lopah's. I will make a post about those. Regards, Erik Last edited by erikscollectables; 25th November 2009 at 09:34 AM.

23rd November 2009, 08:50 PM	#2
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	I found out later that the one Erik asked about was Gayo. Otherwise I still haven't found any 100% sure way to separate them. Yours is a bit difficult too as it doesn't look as old as the ones in the reference works. But the sheath might be Gayo? The ivory hilt however looks more like a "modern" interpretation to me, but I might be wrong? Michael

25th November 2009, 10:01 AM	#5
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	As Erik also indicated this floral design style reminds of other weapons than rencong and other regions than Aceh. I also think the ivory looks unnaturally aged. But maybe I am wrong as it's only based on your pictures? Michael

25th November 2009, 08:26 PM	#6
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Dear Jhony, I have similar feelings as Michael regarding this rencong. The ivory handle and scabbard have a strange color. The carving of the handle is very unusual. That, together with the very rusty blade and the fact that it has been recenlty acquired in Aceh makes me suspicious. As for the gayo aspect. I am much less of a reader than Michael and Erik. So my knowledge is limited and only based on specimins I have seen in collections and books. But I agree, the scabbard makes one think of gayo, but the blade and handle not.

25th November 2009, 10:24 PM	#7
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	I'd also guess that the blade originates from Aceh. It may be old but I'd guess that the base has been reworked by someone of lesser skill and/or knowledge. It would certainly be interesting to have the age and source of the ivory checked in a specialized research lab. IMHO, the metal decoration at the base of the hilt also doesn't show traditional craftmanship and may be a rather late restoration attempt. I also have my doubts regarding the scabbard, sorry. Regards, Kai

26th November 2009, 04:32 AM	#8
SwordZ Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 16	Thanks all for nice and friendly comment. My novice eyes cann't spot the artificial aged on handle Yeah, the handle carving seems very similar with what usually found on sewah or tumbuk lada. Well, what a price for learning. And i note another thread about the ethical "rule" on this community , you all have my assured this "modern" interprated goods will not showing up for sale. I knowing well the previous owner, might could be returned .... Rgds Jhony