Indonesian, English or the other way around?

kai · 19th February 2022, 08:22 PM

Hello Detlef & Mel,

I agree that the hilt is most certainly borrowed. The British had a strong presence, especially on Sumatra, and kept trading even after the Dutch took over again (but still had not taken over all of Sumatra until into the 20th century).

However, this is not from greater Aceh and, thus, not a peurawot. Typical peurawot have a classic blade shape while there are also some examples exhibiting deviating blade shapes like the one shown by Detlef.

This scabbard is different despite some similarities in carving at the mouth. Details are not Aceh style though.

This blade is a rawit. If this ensemble got not assembled by one of the Batak groups, the blade might as well had travelled to one of the coastal communities and trading ports and possibly got adapted locally. Just brainstorming though.

Closeups of the carving might help to place it (please include both sides and a top view, Roy).

Regards,
Kai

19th February 2022, 08:22 PM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Detlef & Mel, I agree that the hilt is most certainly borrowed. The British had a strong presence, especially on Sumatra, and kept trading even after the Dutch took over again (but still had not taken over all of Sumatra until into the 20th century). However, this is not from greater Aceh and, thus, not a peurawot. Typical peurawot have a classic blade shape while there are also some examples exhibiting deviating blade shapes like the one shown by Detlef. This scabbard is different despite some similarities in carving at the mouth. Details are not Aceh style though. This blade is a rawit. If this ensemble got not assembled by one of the Batak groups, the blade might as well had travelled to one of the coastal communities and trading ports and possibly got adapted locally. Just brainstorming though. Closeups of the carving might help to place it (please include both sides and a top view, Roy). Regards, Kai