![]() |
![]() |
#1 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]()
Hi,
Does anyone have some ideas about these kind of double winded ratan handles? My own opinion (just a hunch though) is that these double winded handles were probably a fashion at that time, in that specific area (east Borneo). I would like to discuss this here and hear other opinions or even see photo's of similar handlewrappings. Regards, Maurice |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 385
|
![]()
Hello Maurice. This is way out of my area, but I'll give it a stab. As the patina, and binding type look different from each other, I'd say that this is a later repair, or upgrade? Just guessing. My areas of "expertise", are more "civilized" weapons.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 | |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 2,224
|
![]()
Hi Maurice,
My guess is also decoration. not repair Same as you have wrapping of metal combined with rattan. Where is this hilt from ? Own colection ? I know that I have seen this type of wrapping before, but I could not think of any book in my collection to find such a picture ![]() It would be nice if anybody here had similar handles ? Best regards, Willem |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 | |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]()
Hi Willem,
Yes I bought it, but it is at the customs for a week already right know! ![]() So I have to be a bit patient yet. A similar type of wrapping you can find in "Quer durch Borneo" from Nieuwenhuis. Maurice Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 2,224
|
![]()
Yes, Nieuwenhuis. I did not check it and was confussing it with the other hilt with the bead winding in Quer durch Borneo.
Wow ![]() It must be from the same age as Nieuwenhuis'example. Great buy !!! As for the discussion , decoration or repair. Nieuwenhuis' books show almost nothing but complete examples and sometimes object were even specially made for him. So considering that a similar exemaple is pictured in Quer durch Borneo , I would surely say it is decoration. Good luck with the customs. Do they know it is antler (and not some ivory) Best regards, Willem |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]() Quote:
The seller at first didn't know it was a Borneo sword. He put it under the header: Antique Pacific Islander Carved Sword, Java? Sumatra? Though there were still 11 bidders, I got it for quite a cheap price. Indeed Nieuwenhuis had some items especially made for him, so indeed unlikely a restore. Good thinking Willem! Regards, Maurice Last edited by Maurice; 26th July 2009 at 07:22 AM. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ca, usa
Posts: 92
|
![]()
Hi Maurice,
It looks like the "bulge" from the weaving rests under the fingers and not the palm of the hand. The Japanese would place menuki (ornaments woven into the handle wrap) on the same side of the handle for a better grip. Maybe this is what the double wrapping is for - to help the wielder get a better purchase on the handle. You'll have to tell us how it feels in the hand when you get it. If nothing else, the weaving does look really nice. tom |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]()
Thanks Tom for your input!
I got an email from an ex-member of the forum: Dajak. He pointed to me the following link: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=mandau (thanks Ben) This one also has this double winding. So it looks to me that it probably is a kind of decoration, of a certain area (Kutai, east Borneo)! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 | |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 2,224
|
![]()
Hi Maurice,
That is a very nice example. (I remember the thread, but not the double winding) Bem's example is 2 coloured interwoven on the front. vey nice one. (probably left his collection already ![]() Quote:
This knot on the mandau is placed so that it is facing outward when worn, so my opinion is decorative. possible better grip being at best a side effect. Looking forward to mor pictures of blade scabbard etc. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
|
![]()
It is difficult to make pictures of the intricate carvings on the handle. But I did the best I can.
Unfortunately the little nose on the front is broken off. I hoped for a bit that it was the intention of the carver to make him "without nose". But anyway I am glad it slipped into my collection (with or without the "nose"). ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,732
|
![]()
I like the fine carvings at the handle.
sajen |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Holland
Posts: 245
|
![]()
Nice one Maurice !!!!!!
Verry nice patin on the scabbard also... |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 2,224
|
![]()
WOW
![]() ![]() Reminds me to put :"Antique Pacific Islander Carved Sword, Java? Sumatra?" in my ebay "search list". ![]() really nice mandau. That is what you want in your collection. Lovely patina, sturdy blade, amazing hilt carving. Blade makes me think of this one I have Last edited by asomotif; 27th July 2009 at 11:16 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|