What is the origen of Tibetan style Aceh blade forms?

RhysMichael · 26th June 2007, 05:20 PM

First of all a good observation, I had not noticed the resemblance until you pointed it out. I have not read of any direct Tibetan influence in Aceh but sixth century A.D. Chinese chronicles. spoke of a kingdom on the northern tip of Sumatra named Po-Li, it is believed that this was where Aceh is now. Marco Polo, on his voyage from China visited Sumatra on his way to Persia and reported that in the northern part of the island there were at least six busy trading ports including Perlak (Ferlak), Samudera and Lambri. One translation of Marco Polo's Observations of Sumatra Polo states that Pasaman on the south west coast have no law unless it be that of brute beasts." They said they were "lieges of the Great Kaan" but paid no tribute. So, Chinese trade routes there would have been well extablished for centuries by 1300 AD which if I remember was the general time frame of the Yuan Dyansty. And it is certainly a possiblility that this came from the same lineage as Tibetan swords. There is also a possible link back trough India to for many other blade and hilt forms seen in Aceh that are fit the patterns of the Turko-Mongol saber. The Panjang that you speak of were very popular weapons in the Dutch-Aceh war and certainly was around before that but I have not been able yet to find anything dating the beginning or source of this blade form. I look forward with interest to see what others might know about this.

26th June 2007, 05:20 PM	#2
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	First of all a good observation, I had not noticed the resemblance until you pointed it out. I have not read of any direct Tibetan influence in Aceh but sixth century A.D. Chinese chronicles. spoke of a kingdom on the northern tip of Sumatra named Po-Li, it is believed that this was where Aceh is now. Marco Polo, on his voyage from China visited Sumatra on his way to Persia and reported that in the northern part of the island there were at least six busy trading ports including Perlak (Ferlak), Samudera and Lambri. One translation of Marco Polo's Observations of Sumatra Polo states that Pasaman on the south west coast have no law unless it be that of brute beasts." They said they were "lieges of the Great Kaan" but paid no tribute. So, Chinese trade routes there would have been well extablished for centuries by 1300 AD which if I remember was the general time frame of the Yuan Dyansty. And it is certainly a possiblility that this came from the same lineage as Tibetan swords. There is also a possible link back trough India to for many other blade and hilt forms seen in Aceh that are fit the patterns of the Turko-Mongol saber. The Panjang that you speak of were very popular weapons in the Dutch-Aceh war and certainly was around before that but I have not been able yet to find anything dating the beginning or source of this blade form. I look forward with interest to see what others might know about this. Last edited by RhysMichael; 27th June 2007 at 03:00 AM.