BATAK OR BORNEO ???

VVV · 11th June 2006, 03:27 PM

That's probably impossible to see (unless you know were they were collected of course?). Maybe if we could see the scabbards there would be some signs of origin?
As you know those, originally Indian, swords were very popular trading blades in both regions. It's documented that they also were manufactured in the arms factories of Brunei at the end of 19th C for domestic use in Borneo. The Iban Pedang usually doesn't have that kind of very floral decoration on the hilt as one of your examples.
Maybe that sword is an Indian trade blade?
Some people say that the "open cup" is typical Batak but I guess we all also have seen Batak Piso Podang with closed cup like yours?
Dajak, what have you found out yourself?

Michael

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

11th June 2006, 03:27 PM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	That's probably impossible to see (unless you know were they were collected of course?). Maybe if we could see the scabbards there would be some signs of origin? As you know those, originally Indian, swords were very popular trading blades in both regions. It's documented that they also were manufactured in the arms factories of Brunei at the end of 19th C for domestic use in Borneo. The Iban Pedang usually doesn't have that kind of very floral decoration on the hilt as one of your examples. Maybe that sword is an Indian trade blade? Some people say that the "open cup" is typical Batak but I guess we all also have seen Batak Piso Podang with closed cup like yours? Dajak, what have you found out yourself? Michael