Crowns on Aceh weapons revisited

[erikscollectables]

Dear all,

My main interest is in North Sumatran weapons of State / Status. These weapons in Aceh often have crowns.

The website of John T. Crosby about the Peudeung has an interesting photo with a lot of crowns: http://home.comcast.net/~jtcrosby/Aceh.html Recently I found out that these came from the collection of a forum member: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3696&highlight=atjeh
and that I actually own two of the pieces that are shown in the photo!

For me a reason to revisit the theme of crowns and ask you to share you variation on Aceh crowns on sikin/rencong!

Here is a start with my rencong with crowns. Will try to make a picture later on including the sikins and maybe some items from the collection of a friend.

Regards, Erik

[Maurice]

Hi Erik,

I guess it will be hard to place different variations, because you must almost have all of the variations by now...
I can "only" put an image of my rentjong with three golden crowns and nice laminated blade, which seem not to be that rare when looking at your image...:D

[erikscollectables]

Hi Erik,
which seem not to be that rare when looking at your image...:D

Hihi - as I do not have any without crowns you would almost think so....

The question is how rare they are. I would guess that orignally only about 1 in a 100 rencong would have had golden triple crowns - maybe less. The story still is that adat prescribed these golden crowns to be worn by nobility and local leadership (panglima's etc).

[Maurice]

Hihi - as I do not have any without crowns you would almost think so....


Let's say what Ben (Dajak) had with the very rare "pakayuns", you have with Atjeh "golden crowns".
So many of those rare items in quantity and also in quality, that it will look for "non-collectors" like they are not rare..

[erikscollectables]

Hi Erik,

I can "only" put an image of my rentjong with three golden crowns and nice laminated blade,

There are certainly more variations. My hypothesis is that yours and mine in the center are the older types - somewhere between 1850 and 1880 or so. Nothing to back it up but the looks of these are always older - and very ready for "business" and most ofen they also have some battle scars (mine sure has them...)

Regards, Erik

[Maurice]

Also the enamel is partly gone and partly still there...(could be because of use or age?)
As I can conclude from your image, the middle of your rentjong also misses the enamel partly.

But what are the features you think they are older types?
Is it the shape of the upper crown you can find back in the deep carving of the handle?
Or are it the motifs on the golden crowns you are looking at?

[erikscollectables]

Well made crowns but relatively simple - a bit less refined and less detailed. Enamal is more coarse, less clear in colour and indeed often missing for the bigger part - maybe they did not have the right procedure yet? And the handles are of the dark type indeed almost always with the stripe carvings. The blades are of high quality - most often laminated. The others have often relatively simple blades that look good but more for status than use in my opinion (although some clearly show signs of use as well).

Regards, Erik

Also the enamel is partly gone and partly still there...(could be because of use or age?)
As I can conclude from your image, the middle of your rentjong also misses the enamel partly.

But what are the features you think they are older types?
Is it the shape of the upper crown you can find back in the deep carving of the handle?
Or are it the motifs on the golden crowns you are looking at?

[Maurice]

Well made crowns but relatively simple - a bit less refined and less detailed. Enamal is more coarse, less clear in colour and indeed often missing for the bigger part - maybe they did not have the right procedure yet? And the handles are of the dark type indeed almost always with the stripe carvings. The blades are of high quality - most often laminated. The others have often relatively simple blades that look good but more for status than use in my opinion (although some clearly show signs of use as well).

Regards, Erik
Erik,

Thank you very much for your explanation.

So the sikin with three golden crowns you bought on the last keris-fair this year in Bronbeek where we did meet, could be of the same age. That one also has that kind of less detailed crowns, like the " probably older" rencongs.

But it is a fact that I was thinking often why there were pieces with almost all enamel gone, and pieces with all enamel that intact and very fine in the more refind carvings....
I did see the differences between them, but didn't think further what could be the reason. But I can imagine that age could be the factor!

Regards,
Maurice

[erikscollectables]

Most sikins I have seen are of the less detailed type and little remaining enamal - especially those with three crowns. I have seen one with great detail and perfect enamal in a private collection but it seems to be very rare.
The 3 sikins I have are all more or less of the "simple" type and the one you mention for sure (although it also has gold inlay in the metalwork)

This might have to do that people of status (nobility and local authorities)were still allowed to wear a rencong by the end of the 19th century as it was a part of their status attire. These probably are the later types. The wearing of sikins was already prohibited by that time. According to a source high quality rencong and sikin were already a rare find by 1920 as there was little to no production so mainly heirlooms. Well this is at least my hypothesis based on the info above.

Erik,

So the sikin with three golden crowns you bought on the last keris-fair this year in Bronbeek where we did meet, could be of the same age. That one also has that kind of less detailed crowns, like the " probably older" rencongs.

Regards,
Maurice

[Battara]

Don't know if this will be helpful to the discussion but here is my gold mounted sikim anyway:

[erikscollectables]

Very nice one Battara!

These sikins with triple crown are quite rare in my opinion - and this is what to me seems to be the early variation.

There is also a variation with double golden crowns that only does seem to exist in sikins - I have not seen a rencong yet with that type of crown.

Here pictures of my triple crown and the type of double crown I described above.

Regards, Erik

Don't know if this will be helpful to the discussion but here is my gold mounted sikim anyway:

[Battara]

Very nice one Battara!

These sikins with triple crown are quite rare in my opinion - and this is what to me seems to be the early variation.

There is also a variation with double golden crowns that only does seem to exist in sikins - I have not seen a rencong yet with that type of crown.
Regards, Erik
Thank you Erik. You may have a point (like the one on top of my head :D ) and the triple crown may be earlier. Hard to tell since there isn't much research on it.

[erikscollectables]

Indeed there a lots of sources both old and new with descriptions of crowns but none that help place them in time or give details about the "meaning" of the different types of crowns in respect to the wearers.



Thank you Erik. You may have a point (like the one on top of my head :D ) and the triple crown may be earlier. Hard to tell since there isn't much research on it.

[asomotif]

There is also a variation with double golden crowns that only does seem to exist in sikins - I have not seen a rencong yet with that type of crown.

Hi Erik, this picture is of a rentjong in the Bronbeek collection.
I have no exact age, but it looks as old as any of their pieces. :shrug:

[Battara]

W :eek: W! All that gold inlay - hard stuff to carve especially into steel like that......

[erikscollectables]

This is really interesting and as stated before I have not seen anything like it ever before! Rare combination of crown/inlay and type of handle too! I go to Bronbeek quite often but cannot remember seeing this baby?


Hi Erik, this picture is of a rentjong in the Bronbeek collection.
I have no exact age, but it looks as old as any of their pieces. :shrug:

[asomotif]

I go to Bronbeek quite often but cannot remember seeing this baby?

Hi Erik, I assume they wil not have all Atjeh weapons on display.
This is another picture from this article by the former head collection of Bronbeek, Dirk Staats. (notice the Kupiah)

This rentjong with the forked handle, with the incissions and also the rare type of crown + inlays is indeed something I have not seen before.
It would be intersting to know if Bronbeek has provenance on their pieces.

[erikscollectables]

They have been rebuilding the museum for some time. It reopened with the new set up last week. Admittance will be free till October first. Will give an update here after I have there again.

In the previous set up there were hardly any Aceh weapons on display at all! And getting info about their items or getting them out of the depot was next to impossible during the last year and a half because of that rebuilding.

Will see if it is easier to get info from them now....
I have some items there on display as well (well I will have to see if they are still on display...) - they only seem to keep the basic details of the donator but nothing about the historical background is what I learned at that time.


Hi Erik, I assume they wil not have all Atjeh weapons on display.
This is another picture from this article by the former head collection of Bronbeek, Dirk Staats. (notice the Kupiah)

This rentjong with the forked handle, with the incissions and also the rare type of crown + inlays is indeed something I have not seen before.
It would be intersting to know if Bronbeek has provenance on their pieces.

[erikscollectables]

Why would this type of double crown be so rare on rencong?
I have three sikins of which two have this type of double crown and one a triple crown. I have 5 rencong with crowns (first picture in this thread) and none has a double crown like that. It seems to be very rare in rencong (I had not seen one before this picture).

Any input on the reasons for this would be welcome!

My logic says that if I had a sikin witth double crown I would also wear a rencong with double crown. I'll have to look closely at old pictures to see if this is the case or not....

Hi Erik, I assume they wil not have all Atjeh weapons on display.
This is another picture from this article by the former head collection of Bronbeek, Dirk Staats. (notice the Kupiah)

This rentjong with the forked handle, with the incissions and also the rare type of crown + inlays is indeed something I have not seen before.
It would be intersting to know if Bronbeek has provenance on their pieces.

[Maurice]

I think this one would be a nice addition in this thread.
It is a beautifull sikin that was in the personal collection of late Bisseling, who was a conservator of the Leiden Museum.

It is now in a friend's collection, and already a long time impossible for me to get it rid from him.;)

It has the same type of crown as discussed, but the upper crown is suassa instead of gold. This sikin has everything.
Attractive, gold, suassa, silver, ivory....you name it! :eek:

Maurice

[asomotif]

It has the same type of crown as discussed, but the upper crown is suassa instead of gold

Hi Maurice :)

Nice example. but the crown type with suasa is found on both sikins and rencong. (see example). Personally I like this type a lot, but technically it is much simpler, so I would assume it had also less status.
statistics is not my hobby, but my gut feeling says that this type of crown must have occured on sikins and rencong more or less in equal numbers.

The type that Erik means with the double crown made entirely from gold alloy with the elaborate carvings is a type of crown that I have seen on various sikins, but the only rencong I ever saw was in this Bronbeek article.

All together I don't think that we can get to the bottom of the meaning of the various crowns. You would need museum details not only with date of collection. but in fact also info on the rank / status of the original owner...

I am afraid that KNIL soldiers often took these weapons at a monent when they where not able to ask the former owner about their status. Not the prettyest time in our history. :o

Best regards,
Willem

[Maurice]

Hi Willem,

That is correct when you are talking about the golden crowns and I agree about the higher status of gold in comparrison with suassa.
I have images enough of sikins with one, two and three golden crowns.
It is also correct that the one from the Bronbeek article is the only rentjong that I also know with this variation of crown.

But I posted this one, because this is the only sikin I know with a golden crown and this suassa crown on top. I have seen it on rentjongs, but not on sikins..
But your image is the second one I see...:D

Kind Regards,
MauriceHi Maurice :)

Nice example. but the crown type with suasa is found on both sikins and rencong. (see example). Personally I like this type a lot, but technically it is much simpler, so I would assume it had also less status.
statistics is not my hobby, but my gut feeling says that this type of crown must have occured on sikins and rencong more or less in equal numbers.

The type that Erik means with the double crown made entirely from gold alloy with the elaborate carvings is a type of crown that I have seen on various sikins, but the only rencong I ever saw was in this Bronbeek article.

All together I don't think that we can get to the bottom of the meaning of the various crowns. You would need museum details not only with date of collection. but in fact also info on the rank / status of the original owner...

I am afraid that KNIL soldiers often took these weapons at a monent when they where not able to ask the former owner about their status. Not the prettyest time in our history. :o

Best regards,
Willem

[erikscollectables]

This is a beautiful example and a very rare one too.
This type of handle (hulu peusangan) and sheath are rarer than the common sikin. And the ones with crowns are even rarer again. Would not mind having one like that myself....:)

I think this one would be a nice addition in this thread.
It is a beautifull sikin that was in the personal collection of late Bisseling, who was a conservator of the Leiden Museum.

It is now in a friend's collection, and already a long time impossible for me to get it rid from him.;)

It has the same type of crown as discussed, but the upper crown is suassa instead of gold. This sikin has everything.
Attractive, gold, suassa, silver, ivory....you name it! :eek:

Maurice

[erikscollectables]

About the gold used on the double and triple crowns. Two collectors I know tested the gold on several crowns in their collection - all were made of a higer grade of gold than 14k!!!

So it does make some sense that many of these were harvested over time. I can imagine that up to recent times the gold was relatively of higher value that the "art".

Hi Maurice :)

gold alloy

[Maurice]

This is a beautiful example and a very rare one too.
This type of handle (hulu peusangan) and sheath are rarer than the common sikin. And the ones with crowns are even rarer again. Would not mind having one like that myself....:)Well Erik,

Who won't????:D
But I am allready happy that I am able to hold and admire it every time when I visit the owner.;-)

[asomotif]

So it does make some sense that many of these were harvested over time.

Yep. Just imagine... These weapons where often already in dutch hands during the crisis in the 1930's. Useless gold laying around on your attic.
And they where around in WW 2. Food was scarce, sigarets and coffee where hard to get and than you find this piece of useless gold fixed to an old sword that was also not very usefull.

[erikscollectables]

There are quite a few of these harvested around - although still rare items.
Last week I saw a rentjong for sale with gold inlay and that had clearly had triple crowns and also the back part of the handle covered in gold - like the one left in the first photo in the thread. It must have been an incredible piece when it was complete....


Yep. Just imagine... These weapons where often already in dutch hands during the crisis in the 1930's. Useless gold laying around on your attic.
And they where around in WW 2. Food was scarce, sigarets and coffee where hard to get and than you find this piece of useless gold fixed to an old sword that was also not very usefull.

[Battara]

Where is this rencong?

Anyway, it would be of higher status to have 14k+ over swassa. Back then the moulding of the metal was not the chore like it is today.

[asomotif]

Chore = daily routine.

No, I can not imagine how they would make such crowns with only charcoal/wood fire. The crowns are not solid and they are made with much detail.

[erikscollectables]

Where is this rencong?



It is now with one of the other forum members - I hope he will post pictures!

[Battara]

Sorry Asomotif. By chore I meant a lot of work (US colloquial expression). Back then they had more experience with doing this type of work than we do today.

Recong with another eh? Oh well..... :(

[asomotif]

By chore I meant a lot of work

Ok, that explains the comment :)

[erikscollectables]

Was able to visit the Bronbeek Museum this weekend.
Unfortunately it is no langer a small heaven for those interested in the military history of the Dutch East Indies - it dropped from the first place in my list of favourite museums in the Netherlands....

There are still a few good Aceh weapons on display among which the rencong in the photo from Willem with triple crown and golden back on an ivory handle.

Also a peudeung with the handle totally covered in gold (I think the same as in Zonneveld...) - still looking for one like that - tips are most welcome :)

But no longer the Aceh flags and the large amounts of ethnographic weapons they had in the previous set up.

Will post pictures of the rencong with crowns later on.

[Maurice]

Was able to visit the Bronbeek Museum this weekend.
Unfortunately it is no langer a small heaven for those interested in the military history of the Dutch East Indies - it dropped from the first place in my list of favourite museums in the Netherlands....

There are still a few good Aceh weapons on display among which the rencong in the photo from Willem with triple crown and golden back on an ivory handle.

Also a peudeung with the handle totally covered in gold (I think the same as in Zonneveld...) - still looking for one like that - tips are most welcome :)

But no longer the Aceh flags and the large amounts of ethnographic weapons they had in the previous set up.

Will post pictures of the rencong with crowns later on.Oooooohhh, what a pity. They hide away all good things in the depots!:mad:
And what are they displaying? Just wait a few years, and all there will be left is a puppet-show!

Do they still exhibiting that mandau in a showcase, or did they stuff that one away behind doors also?

Regards,
Maurice

[erikscollectables]

Gone and none on display...



Do they still exhibiting that mandau in a showcase, or did they stuff that one away behind doors also?

Regards,
Maurice

[erikscollectables]

Here three nice items that are still on display in Bronbeek Museum.
*Sikin Peusangan with a single crown in suassa or copper - a first for me this type of single crown.
*Rentjong with total handle covered in gold
*Rentjong with crowns and back in gold on hippo ivory

[asomotif]

Thanks Erik for the nice pictures.
Indeed a shame that they hide away all weapons.
Modern times. Musea are meant to educate and build bridges.
Weapons are often not a part of that.

Ps. the rencong with the gold covered hilt was used in the attack on Luitenant Kolonel W.B.J.A. Scheepens in Oktober 1913.
He died from the wound on 17th october 1913. A few days after the attack.

[Battara]

Beautiful gold covered rencongs. Thank you for posting.

[erikscollectables]

the rencong with the gold covered hilt was used in the attack on Luitenant Kolonel W.B.J.A. Scheepens in Oktober 1913.
He died from the wound on 17th october 1913. A few days after the attack.
I looked up the story - I remembered reading it. It is in the book Atjeh by Zentgraaff (pages 49/50).

Scheepens was the military and civil commander of the city Sigli in Atjeh at that time. As civil commander he was also acting as the local judge.
There was a dispute between the son of an oelama (local religious leader) and a regular citizen were the son was hit. In court the regular citizen was punished to 3 months imprisonment - to the father this was not satisfactory and after some discussion over this with Scheepens he took his rencong by surprise and stabbed Scheepens in the belly. The oelama was immediately struck down by the Atjeh men and did not survive.

As an experienced Atjeh fighter Scheepens knew the stab was likely to kill him. But his pregnant wife was also there and in order to calm her down he acted as he was not badly hurt and suggested to drink a glass of champagne on the good outcome. After which he walked to the hospital. Despite the surgeon that was in the meantime noticed and came down from Koeta Radja in a hurry he was not to be saved and he died a few days later.
He was a very highly decorated officer with a lot of experience in Atjeh.

The son of the oelama was rejected by his mother after this for not standing up for his father and defending him there. It is a sad history for all that were involved.

And the rentjong is still in the collection of the Bronbeek museum! A very interesting piece of history - I hope this will be explained there as I did not know this was that infamous rentjong and there was no text at all.

Erik

[asomotif]

Thanks Erik for sharing the whole story on Scheepens.
Strange that they do not mention this in the museum.

*Sikin Peusangan with a single crown in suassa
I checked the "Legermuseum"at Delft, and they also have a sikin peusangan with a single suasa crown. Their collection nr 11149
Nice example that is, with a buffalohorn scabbard mouth and the scabbard covered with 3 large sections of silver.
I forgot my camera, so no pics.

Best regards,
Willem

[Battara]

I was wondering, what about triple silver crowns?

[asomotif]

what about triple silver crowns?
I have no clue about the meaning / status, but here are 2 examples :

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10761&highlight=silver+rencong

Best regards,
Willem

[erikscollectables]

I was wondering, what about triple silver crowns?

Me too. What I can say that in the first picture in this thread there are two that are silver and never have been gilded.

I think gilded silver has to do with the amount of money available - the would have liked to have gold but did not have the money.

The two I have may have a different cultural/ethnic background. The one with ivory is Gajo (Gayo) for certain the other is probably as well from that region (use of suassa and colour of the sheath hint at that.

I think in Aceh the use of silver was frowned upon - this might have been different in the Gayo area. The one with ivory seems a ritual or status piece and is very big in size - not very practical to wear or handle I think for the regular length of people then and there.

Regards, Erik

[asomotif]

Hi Erik,

I must say that the silver handle from Battara (in the link above) shows much less detail than similar handles in gold. So besides the lack of money maybe this silver rentjong is also from a later date ? (no offense intended, just imho)

Best regards,
Willem

[erikscollectables]

The one does not have to exclude the other :) I still think it is a money question but next to this these type of rentjongs were produced at least into the 40s for ceremonial use like on weddings etc from what I know. Wear still limited to those allowed by adat.

The silver handle I have has great detail - inlay with enamal in good quality and a diamond on top. That is late 19th or early 20th century IMHO. It is the second one in the link mentioned.


Hi Erik,

I must say that the silver handle from Battara (in the link above) shows much less detail than similar handles in gold. So besides the lack of money maybe this silver rentjong is also from a later date ? (no offense intended, just imho)

Best regards,
Willem

[Battara]

OH Asomotif, no offense taken. I would not be surprised if it were later. Perhaps a wedding rencong from an adjacent place. No idea. Guess I just want to know where my silver one would be in the pecking order of things since obviously the gold crowns signify at least high nobility.

[Battara]

Have another question regarding gold crowned rencong:

Are the scabbards supposed to have 2 gold bands on them?

[Jonno]

I have never seen gold bands, many silver and some suasa.
But I think it will be possible.

You can find some other examples on:
http://www.atchin.nl/Atchin/Atjeh_wapens/Paginas/Rentjong.html

[Battara]

Thank you Jonno. Great site - yes I have seen one with suassa and several with silver. One gold crowned rencong on the site had 4 silver bands on it!

Very helpful.

[erikscollectables]

Hi,

In my experience the sheath is supposed to have no bands at all! They are repairs for sheaths that have problems. But repairs are quite common. The material used says something about the importance they gave to the repair is my opinion.

Regards, Erik


Thank you Jonno. Great site - yes I have seen one with suassa and several with silver. One gold crowned rencong on the site had 4 silver bands on it!

Very helpful.

[Battara]

Erik that too is helpful and less expensive! :D

[spellchant]

Hello everyone, this is my first post. :D Thought I'd share with you a picture of my old Rencong.

This is a family heirloom which was given to me by my late grandfather. According to him this rencong was forged during the early 1950's by a famous Rencong maker back in the day.

As I'm sure many of you here know, there are various types of Rencong in Aceh, each with its own distinctive characteristics. This particular piece belongs to the Meucunggek class, reserved for royalties, nobilities and other distinguished groups of people. My grandfather was a highly decorated provincial chief of Police in Aceh and thus was awarded this Rencong as a symbol of gratitude by the Aceh people.

It's hilt and scabbard are made of ivory, while the blade itself is made from a material known locally as 'besi putih' or white iron/steel (correct me if I'm wrong) said to have supernatural properties :) . The hilt is decorated with about 10 grams of 20 carat gold which adds to the overall value of this finely crafted work of art. :D

As rencong forging is dying art, you're unlikely to find many rencong of this caliber nowadays.

Hope I'm off to a good start. :)

[Rick]

Welcome to the forums . :)

[Battara]

Nice piece and thank you for sharing your great family heirloom. :D

Welcome to our little forum!

[kai]

Welcome to the forum - it's great to receive any input from the peoples from whom these pieces actually originate!

This is a family heirloom which was given to me by my late grandfather. According to him this rencong was forged during the early 1950's by a famous Rencong maker back in the day.
Any chance to research his name? Your inherited rencong does look like what I associate with post-WW2 work, indeed. Quality seems to be nice though!

Has the blade always been kept shiny like this? Any idea/hints wether the blade is laminated and/or tempered?

If possible, please post close-up pics of the base of the blade as well as the base and tip of the hilt - I'd really love to have a detailed look at the style of the decorations! Also a pic of the blade taken directly from above (to avoid distortions) would be great! Thanks a lot in advance!


As rencong forging is dying art, you're unlikely to find many rencong of this caliber nowadays.
Utami used to post here and showed some recently crafted pieces. AFAIK, he lost contact with the noted bladesmith after the tsunami desaster... :(


Hope I'm off to a good start. :)
Definitely. :) Thanks again!

Regards,
Kai

[asomotif]

This is really interesting and as stated before I have not seen anything like it ever before! Rare combination of crown/inlay and type of handle too! I go to Bronbeek quite often but cannot remember seeing this baby?
Erik, it is in the depot. :) (collection Bronbeek, Museum)

[asomotif]

Found this one on the website of the Wereldmuseum collection nr 20121.
drewl, drewl :p

[Sajen]

So far I know is "besi putih" a steel with very high nickel content or pure nickel.

Regards,

Detlef

[Battara]

Sorry wrong post.

[Maurice]

I checked the "Legermuseum"at Delft, and they also have a sikin peusangan with a single suasa crown. Their collection nr 11149
Nice example that is, with a buffalohorn scabbard mouth and the scabbard covered with 3 large sections of silver.
I forgot my camera, so no pics.
I also didn't have my camera, but happily a cellphone with full battery. :)

[asomotif]

This rare beauty sold at an auctionhouse. Would like to add it to thi sthread just for later reference.
Akar Bahar (black coral) hilt with gold and enamel

Best regards,
Willem

[Dom]

fantastic piece of "black coral" :eek:
I'm crazy for it ... as well as almost all divers :p

before, I had never seen such big branch
it's really "a rare beauty" ;)

à +

Dom

[Battara]

Here is my crowned rencong with black coral:

[asomotif]

I believe this thread was started to investigate the crowns on aceh weapons.
So to stick with the topic i have this Siwai that is in the "Wereldmuseum" at Rotterdam. The hilt is a really huge piece of akar bahar.

Ps. there are no sizes mentioned, but this one is in the exposition of the museum and believe me. it is huge. easily twice the diameter of a rentjong hilt.

[VVV]

A nice one!

It's interesting that the Aceh and Gayo daggers come in so many sizes for each model.

Michael

[asomotif]

Today I found a variation of the rentjong hilt that I did not see before.
At the Gemeente Museum Den Haag.
(The Museum where President Obama went to see Mondriaan's "Victory Boogie Woogie" ;) )

I can not recall another hilt with such a heartshaped decoration.
A gold strip goes all around the hilt.

[Battara]

What an interesting variation. And gold and enameled all around the strap. I also noticed the coral is polished as well.

Thanks for posting this.

[asomotif]

What an interesting variation. And gold and enameled all around the strap. I also noticed the coral is polished as well.

Thanks for posting this.

Yes, it looks indeed like akar bahar in a very smooth finish.
Here a enlargement of the previous picture.

Best regards,
Willem

[asomotif]

What an interesting variation. And gold and enameled all around the strap. I also noticed the coral is polished as well.

Thanks for posting this.

I would rather have had it in my hands to determine the material :D ;)
But it indeed looks like polished akar bahar.
Here is an enlargement of the previou picture :

[Battara]

Looks like akar bahar to me......

[kai]

I'm with Jose on the pommel being from polished AB.

Thanks for another great example, Willem!

The "heart" looks like another variant of the tree of life motif.

Regards,
Kai

[asomotif]

Happily gathering pictures I remembered this variation.
I am not sure where it was taken, the website says "Tropenmuseum" (Amsterdam)

[Battara]

I photo edited the pictures to better see them. Notice on the rounded one that there are concentric circles indicative of coral.

[Battara]

Here is a siwar that was sold by Michael Backman. He states that it belonged to a sultan. The gold mounts have gems on them and the hilt is black coral and the scabbard tip is ivory. Silver bands are go down the scabbard and the top piece is also ivory.

I also included the picture Michael Backman provided of Sultan Muhammad Daud Syah Johan Berdaulat with a similar sitar for context.

[Battara]

Not to hog this thread, but here is my sikim and close ups of the crown.

[asomotif]

Not to hog this thread, but here is my sikim and close ups of the crown.
Nice, looks a lot like the one in post #10 ;)

[Battara]

It does, don't it?

[Sajen]

This one was sold today by 1300 Euro in a german auctionhouse! I think gold, suassa and silver, unsure about the stones.

[Battara]

Great piece Detlef, thank you for posting this. I agree: I see low gold, suassa, and silver. The stones do look like cabochon rubies, but close ups (if available) would help determine what they really are for sure.

Now the crown: on the one hand it looks like it could be old dirty low carat gold, but hard to determine for sure. If gold, then it would be low carat to have patina like this on it.

By the way, what is the name of the German auction house?

[Sajen]

Sorry, this have been the only pictures posted. :shrug:

[Maurice]

Re-reading this interesting thread, it looks like brass crowns are more rare as golden ones, as I don't see any depicted here.

Are there rentjongs with brass crowns in forumites collections to add here?

Maurice

[Sajen]

By the way, what is the name of the German auction house?

Wendl! :)

[asomotif]

Wendl! :)

Ps. it is now on the market again. cleaned and looking better than on Wendls website.

[Andrew]

Ps. it is now on the market again. cleaned and looking better than on Wendls website.

Let's not discuss that particular item until it is no longer for sale, please.

[Battara]

This particular item is now sold by Michael Backman (all cleaned up and made of silver, gilt silver, suassa, and gems):

[asomotif]

This particular item is now sold by Michael Backman (all cleaned up and made of silver, gilt silver, suassa, and gems):

All cleaned up it is a nice status piece.
But let's compare it with the other one in post #74
The crown of the piece with the akar bahar hilt has a much more elaborate crown. gold with enamel, instead of gilded silver crown with simple decortions on the piece with the suasa hilt.

Thank you, for posting the pictures.

[Battara]

Oh no question. The akar bahar example has a crown that not only is gold in stead of gilded, but also has the traditional green and black enamel on the surface.

[asomotif]

Here 2 pictures of a rentjong with a complete golden handle.

For later reference a comparing.

[Battara]

Asomotif, this last one you posted is on my wish list, but alas I wasn't in a position to acquire it, unfortunately.......... :(

[asomotif]

A nice variation with gold crown and suasa in the same style as the previously posted siwai's.

[Battara]

Oh yes I saw that for sale by Czerny's auction weeks ago. I love it and thanks for posting it.

[Jentayu]

Another example of gold crown sewar in my collection. It has the same profile and style akin to sewar supposedly belong to the last sultan of Aceh that Micheal Backman sold lately.Are this the typical form and style donned for sewar reserved for royalty?

[Battara]

First: yes.

Second: What a beautiful piece you have and thank you for sharing this. Maybe one day when I grow up, I'll have one too........... :o

[Sajen]

I am not sure that pieces like this are only reserved for royalty? :shrug: I think that wealthy people also could have owned thus a piece but frankly I don't know it exactly.
Beautiful piece with gold, suassa, ivory and akar bahar, very very nice! :)

Regards,
Detlef

[Miguel]

An absolutely outstanding piece thank you so much for sharing.
Miguel

[Battara]

I am not sure that pieces like this are only reserved for royalty? :shrug: I think that wealthy people also could have owned thus a piece but frankly I don't know it exactly.
Detlef
A good question Detlef.

If I remember right, only nobility were allowed to have the gold crowns on their weaponry. This is restricted to the former sultanate of Aceh where these originate.

[asomotif]

I saw this cojang last weekend at Amsterdam Tropenmuseum.

More a ferrule than a "crown", but nice to share imho.

[Battara]

W :eek: W!

That cojen is gorgeous! Never seen one with that kind of ferrule before. Great carving too. Are there pictures of the whole thing?

[Jentayu]

Another example of royal Atjeh sewar

[Battara]

Well great - now i have to pick up my eye balls off the floor! :eek:

Insanely beautiful!

Do you have pictures of your whole piece as well?

[kai]

Do you have pictures of your whole piece as well?
I'd second that!

[kai]

Hello Willem,

More a ferrule than a "crown", but nice to share imho.
Yes, this is definitely a high-end status piece! The typical cojang status version comes with a plain suassa ferrule - this enamel version certainly belongs into this thread IMHO.

Regards,
Kai

[asomotif]

[QUOTE=BattaraThat cojen is gorgeous! Never seen one with that kind of ferrule before. Great carving too. Are there pictures of the whole thing?[/QUOTE]

The blade is quite ordinairy. I did not think of making a picture of the complete cojang, but found that I have parts of it, so here they are...

[asomotif]

This sewar was also on exhibit in The Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam,

[Battara]

Thank you gentlemen!

I just love all that gold, enamel, and gem work!!! :D

[Jentayu]

Another exmple of gold sewar from Atjeh's museum.

[Sajen]

Another exmple of gold sewar from Atjeh's museum.

Wow, thank you for sharing! :eek: :cool:

[Battara]

W :eek: W!

That's CRAZY beautiful!!!!

What is the name of the Aceh museum?

[asomotif]

Another exmple of gold sewar from Atjeh's museum.

Hello Jentayu,

Wonderful examples you are showing here.
The first with akar bahar and traditional enamel work.
Do you have information about the age of these 2 pieces ?

Best regards,
Willem

[asomotif]

Here is the picture from the gold sewar I found on the website of the Tropenmuseum. As for "tge age, they only mention "pre 1947" which is not very precise unfortunately

[Jentayu]

Hi Willem,

I am not sure of the age. The first sewar with akar bahar is currently in my collection and from my observation it has standard and the same features that the sewar sold by Michael Backman supposedly belonged to Acehnese Sultan but mine has a darker patina on its ivory cross guard compared to Michael's. While the other sewar currently belongs to a Teuku residing in Indonesia which is part of his family heirloom.

[Jentayu]

Another view of the sewar in my collection

[Jentayu]

Another sewar with suassa and gold with rather "not so royal looking" sheath. I believe this too is from exhibit in Aceh's museum.

[Battara]

Looks like the scabbard and sewar were married, not original to each other.

Also looks like someone tested the suassa on the bottom of the grip in the bottom photo.

[Jentayu]

Royal sewar that belongs to a Teuku in Aceh as part of their family heirloom.

[Loedjoe]

In post #90, Asomotif shows us a rencong with a quadruple crown, like the crowns on siwaih (e.g. posts #64, 74, 92).

Has anyone come across other rencong with similar quadruple crowns?

[asomotif]

Hello loedjoe,

Well noted. this rencong is definately a rencong, but has all the other Siwai features. The suasa ferrule and the quadruppel crowns.

I cannot recall a similar example. Maybe someone else does ?

Best regards,
Willem

[Loedjoe]

Many thanks, Willem, for your response. Let us hope others will see my question, and perhaps come up with other examples. (Although, as this rencong is now in my collection, I hope it remains unique!)

Best wishes, Tim

[kai]

Hello Tim,

Congrats! I hope we didn't drove up the price too much back then!

Your rencong is certainly special with those 4 rows; it's noteworthy that in this siwaih configuration, usually the 2nd row is quite tall and more rounded as if leaning towards a glupa configuration (usually one large row with more or less rounded tips and tiny indentations at both sides of the tip; and another small row of wide triangles at the base) while the uppermost 2 rows are puco style (triangles with acute tips). Most nobility rencong with "crowns" exhibit the puco configuration while a few have glupa (and yours the siwaih "mix" ;) ).

If you go back to Erik's pic at the very beginning of this thread, the rencong with the silver hilt (2nd from right) seems to also lean towards a glupa base with a single puco row on top.

Incidentally, the rencong on the right hand side has a similar suassa-covered bolster and also this backward-directed duru seuke (base extension of the blade) which I associate with Gayo rather than Aceh. OTOH, the enamel work in your example seems to suggest an Aceh origin though...

Regards,
Kai

[Maurice]

Let us hope others will see my question, and perhaps come up with other examples. (Although, as this rencong is now in my collection, I hope it remains unique!)

Till we find another one like this, we could consider it as unique!

Kind regards,
Maurice

[Maurice]

PS. Ever have seen anything like this? Suassa crowns, in the same style as the golden crowns?

Is this also unique, or "only" very rare? Are there others like this in someones collection?

[Loedjoe]

Thank you Kai for your interesting comments on crowns - I must look more carefully at examples in future. Not sure whether my example is Aceh with Gayo feature, or Gayo wth Aceh feature!

Thank you Maurice for the 'unique' comment - I think the same can be said of your sikin with the suasa crown - very nice indeed.

[Battara]

Nice example Maurice. Must say that I haven't seen on like this before.

[Maurice]

FYI: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15040&page=1&pp=30


:cool:

[asomotif]

Many thanks, Willem, for your response. Let us hope others will see my question, and perhaps come up with other examples. (Although, as this rencong is now in my collection, I hope it remains unique!)

Best wishes, Tim

Tim,

Congratulations. that is a very nice and rare piece.
Could you share some more pictures with us ?

Best regards,
Willem

[Loedjoe]

Dear Willem

Pictures posted here, with pleasure (they are the ones taken by the auction house; rather better than ones I would be able to take).
Measurements - 42 cm, blade 25 cm (9.5 mm thick at the base), hilt and collar 17 cm.
The hilt is hippopotamus ivory; on each of the four sides, immediately below the pommel, there is an incised flower (a lotus?) with the tip pointing towards the blade, all four very worn with age, the design on one side almost invisible.
The blade is slightly flexible towards the tip – the rencong was received slightly bent at the tip, and was able to be straightened. This seems to me a curious feature; surely it would be fairly useless as a weapon if the tip bends so easily – but perhaps as a status piece it was not really intended for use? Has anyone else come across rencong with bendable tips?
Collected for his private collection by a European businessman, Riccardo Salvini, the representative of the firms Transmarina Kompaniet Aktiebolag and Aktiebolaget Svensk-Engelska Oceankompaniet, in Stockholm, during his journey through India, the Dutch Indies and Batavia (Java) and the Far East between 1920 and 1921.
Does anyone know anything about Salvini and his collection? Information about him/it would be most welcome.

[Maurice]

Dear Tim,

I think people here are overwhelmed by the beautiness of your super high end rencong. That is why there is so little feedback amongst the forumites on this super piece?

Anyway, it is by far the most beautiful rencong I have ever seen, and I have seen (and handled) a lot of high end rencongs before!

Another great thing is that hippo ivory was very popular in the Gayo- and Alas areas!
So besides it looks breathtaking, it is also very interesting because it is unique and cross cultural ( Aceh at the other hand, and Gayo-Alas at the other hand).

Kind regards,
Maurice

[Battara]

Yes this is one of the most beautiful Gayo examples I have seen. I think I remember this fro Czerny's.

I also love gold and suassa. :D

[Sajen]

Agree, a very beautiful example! But sorry, can't help with Salvini. :shrug:

Regards,
Detlef

[Maurice]

Golden crown in a hippo ivory hilt.

[Battara]

Very nice Maurice, thank you for posting this.

[Maurice]

Very nice Maurice, thank you for posting this.

Thank you Jose!

[Battara]

Almost looks Gayo.

[Maurice]

Almost looks Gayo.

Jose, that is exactly why I posted it in this thread.
But nobody seems to notice it. The Large hippo hilt is typically Gayo, while the golden crowns and scabbard are typically Aceh.

That is why I thought it was an interesting post with this cross cultural combination.
:cool:

[asomotif]

Jose, that is exactly why I posted it in this thread.
But nobody seems to notice it. The Large hippo hilt is typically Gayo, while the golden crowns and scabbard are typically Aceh.

That is why I thought it was an interesting post with this cross cultural combination.
:cool:

Hello Maurice,

Do you have pictures of the blade and scabbard ?

The connection between hilt and crown looks ok on this picture.
But the connection between crown and blade is not very smooth and shows dark resin.

All parts are Original imho, but where they fitted like this originally ?

Best regards,
Willem

[Battara]

Maurice I do agree with the "mismatch".

I also agree with Asomotif in that pictures of the whole piece as well as closeups of the region in question would be of great help.

I'm glad you posted this. :)

[Maurice]

Do you have pictures of the blade and scabbard ?

The connection between hilt and crown looks ok on this picture.
But the connection between crown and blade is not very smooth and shows dark resin.

All parts are Original imho, but where they fitted like this originally ?


Hi Willem,

ofcourse all parts are original, why would I doubt it?
Sheath and blade are like a regular Acehnese rencong by the way.

Regards,
Maurice

[asomotif]

Hi Willem,

ofcourse all parts are original, why would I doubt it?
Sheath and blade are like a regular Acehnese rencong by the way.

Regards,
Maurice

Hi Maurice,

Yes, all parts are Original. I agree.
But the connection between the gold crown and the blade looks not very smooth, and with the resin showing.
So maybe this is some kind of marriage between hilt and blade.

Best regards,
Willem

[Maurice]

Hi Maurice,

Yes, all parts are Original. I agree.
But the connection between the gold crown and the blade looks not very smooth, and with the resin showing.
So maybe this is some kind of marriage between hilt and blade.

Best regards,
Willem

Yes I know what you mean. And this could ofcourse be possible. The marriage is native IMO. The golden crowns are "carved" into the Ivory of the hilt itself, which is seen on a regular base with rencongs with golden crowns. Doesn't look like that had been done in the Western world.

I have owned several Gayo rencongs with these kind of hilts, and two of them had loose hilts (could be seperated from the blade), probably this is a side effect of these kind of hilts during its age.

I agree it could be an old native marriage between the blade and hilt ofcourse!

If the rencong could talk, I would have know...

[asomotif]

Yes I know what you mean. And this could ofcourse be possible. The marriage is native IMO. The golden crowns are "carved" into the Ivory of the hilt itself, which is seen on a regular base with rencongs with golden crowns. Doesn't look like that had been done in the Western world.
...

Yes, the fitting on the Ivory hilt looks very good.
And basically that is the cross cultural combi ;)

[Battara]

I would say that it is possible the person had mixed heritage and this shows up in the piece. It does all look tight to me.

[erikscollectables]

First golden crowns I have seen on a Gayo piece. Certainly not traditional Gayo so probably a (period) marriage. The marriage is "confirmed" by the incorrect fit to the blade as mentioned before. Very interesting piece!

[erikscollectables]

Adding to the luxury, gold inlay on the blade as well....after all this time since the start of this thread still hunting for crowns :)

[asomotif]

First golden crowns I have seen on a Gayo piece. Certainly not traditional Gayo so probably a (period) marriage. The marriage is "confirmed" by the incorrect fit to the blade as mentioned before. Very interesting piece!

Did you check post #126 ?

The gayo blade + suasa (gayo) "ferrule" with a gold crown and the hilt ?

[erikscollectables]

Superb piece that is but and it seems all correct! But not typical either not sure what to think about the handle. Maybe the conclusion is we still know little about the Gayo variations....

[asomotif]

Here another rentjong for sharing.

Another interesting variation.

[Battara]

How insanely beautiful!

[Sajen]

Hello Willem,

very nice rentjong! :eek: What is the main handle material under the gold?

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

Hello Willem,

Nice addition to your collection! Any chance for a family shot of all your rentjong?


What is the main handle material under the gold?
I'd guess at very weathered hippo, Detlef. ;)


IMHO this piece is a very nice status rencong (maybe even early 19th century) that got renovated some time during the 20th century in Aceh: The gold work looks genuine; the craftsmanship is considerably less than during the 19th (or even early 20th) century though.

Regards,
Kai

[asomotif]

Hello Willem,

Nice addition to your collection! Any chance for a family shot of all your rentjong?



I'd guess at very weathered hippo, Detlef. ;)


IMHO this piece is a very nice status rencong (maybe even early 19th century) that got renovated some time during the 20th century in Aceh: The gold work looks genuine; the craftsmanship is considerably less than during the 19th (or even early 20th) century though.

Regards,
Kai

Hello Kai and others.

This rentjong was presented on a television antique show for appraisal, Unfortunately I am not the owner.

Best regards,
Willem

[kai]

Thanks, Willem! Makes you wonder what else is slipping under the radar... ;)

[asomotif]

Thanks, Willem! Makes you wonder what else is slipping under the radar... ;)

Still things to wish for indeed, waiting in someone's drawer or attic.

[Jentayu]

Sewar with gold crown and suasa hilt

[Jentayu]

sewar

[Battara]

A beautiful example! Would you please show pictures of the whole piece?

[Jentayu]

Full picture of the sewar

[Battara]

Thank you so much!

One day when I grow up, I'll own an example just like this. :D

One more request: would you post a picture of the end of the pommel please?

[Bob A]

Unlike Jose, I have little hope of progressing to adulthood. If it hasn't happened yet, I doubt the day will arrive.

Meanwhile, a few pics of my crowned rencong. When I purchased it, I thought it was an unhappy marriage between blade and sheath. The seller told me that its rattling around in the large opening was typical of the are; I doubt it, as every other example of weaponry I have from the area is pretty snug. But who can say?

Anyway, there seems to be traces of gold in the punched decoration on one side of the piece. I assume the rest has been worn off over the years.

[Battara]

Nice Bob. I agree - there was originally gold in those worn down engraved grooves.

[Jentayu]

Picture of back of the pommel

[Battara]

Thank you so much. I am a little surprised that the top is flat and plain.

[asomotif]

What a lovely and fine enamel decoration on this sewar.
I like the suasa handle. :)

[Loedjoe]

Here is another siwaih - not quite up to the high standard of many of the others shown in this thread.
Black wood hilt with highlights of reddish brown (ebony?), black wood sheath with dugong ivory tip and ivory projection. 42 cm, blade 27 cm (9 mm thick at the base), hilt 10.5 cm. A band presumably missing an inch or so below the top of the sheath.

[Battara]

Another wonder example, many thanks!

I would LOVE to have one of these! :D

[Sajen]

Black wood hilt with highlights of reddish brown (ebony?),.....

Very nice example, like Jose I would like to have such an example in my collection! And yes, I think it's ebony. It's a worthy wood and not cheaper as akhar bahar or ivory!

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

I think you are right Detlef. As I re-examined the pictures, the material does look like makassar ebony at best (and purposely burned wood at the worst).

Almost makes me wonder if this was a replacement for broken akhar bahar or ivory.

[kai]

We really have to keep in mind that the most precious timbers can be more expensive and rarer than ivory or gold. In the good ol' days, the latter could be easily sourced if you had any decent amount of funds. Special wood like burl, especially with strong chatoyance, correct grain for carving, and possibly extra features needed to be searched for, cured for extended periods, and correctly selected by experienced artisans for the very task - it often wasn't at hand at the whim of the customer. If this hilt is antique, the selection of materials wasn't spurious...

I can't tell this wood from the pics. It seems to have rather large pores for any type of ebony. It might be one of the rarer hardwoods - tough to tell from pics!

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Tim asked me to extend thanks to all who responded!

He seems to have problems with logging in and I hope he'll be back soon.

Regards,
Kai

[Loedjoe]

This sikin panjang (length 74.3 cm, blade 57 cm., no scabbard) has an unusual 'third' crown above a normal double crown. Has anyone seen a similar addition above the usual crown? And what was the purpose of it - to make a double crown into a triple one? Any comments from the experts would be most welcome.

[kai]

Hello Tim,

Good to have you back!

I’d vote for 2.5. ;)

The general crown type is of the glupa configuration (2 crowns), with an added ferrule-like ring as is also seen on a few rencong. I reckon this is an original design.

A nice addition to the family!

Regards,
Kai

[A. G. Maisey]

This thread has been running for quite some time, but I have never looked at it previously.

When I look at these "crowns", it strikes me that I am looking at a representation of the tumpal motif.

Has anybody thought to investigate this?

[thomas hauschild]

Asomotif asked me to show the crown on a sikin parang of my collection.

Not with gold inlay. Made of bronce maybe (or hopefully) made of souasa.

Best thomas

[kai]

Certainly genuine and likely suasa - have it tested, Thomas!

I've seen a few in suasa without engraving nor enamel while I can't remember ever having seen one in gold without the traditional motifs (enamel can miss from older examples, probably from loss rather than original design).

Regards,
Kai

[Jentayu]

3 variations of Aceh siwah

[kai]

Wow, splendid examples, Jentayu!

Some more pics of those examples not posted before would be really kind!

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

I want all 3 of them! :D

[asomotif]

Wow !

One day when I grow up I would like to have just one siwah like that. ;)

Really nice, thank you for sharing.

Best regards,
Willem

[asomotif]

Just from sharing,
1 sikin from the sold items at MTW.
perfect condition with nice inlay in the blade.

[asomotif]

Here is one variation that I have never seen before.
A hulu Peusangan combined with a golden glupa.

[Battara]

I've seen it before, but it is truly rare, and I personally don't understand it.

[asomotif]

It has been a long while. here a small addition from an auction website.
A a shape that is already in this thread. but very nice clear pictures and the combi with hippo ivory. nice.

[Ian]

This thread has been running for quite some time, but I have never looked at it previously.

When I look at these "crowns", it strikes me that I am looking at a representation of the tumpal motif.

Has anybody thought to investigate this?Hi Alan,

I want to bring your earlier comment back up because nobody really replied to your question. Lots of comments about the "bling" but nothing in regard to your suggestion of a tumpal motif, which makes sense to me.

[JeffS]

Peter Dekker notes this in the "Tumpal" glossary entry on his site.

[asomotif]

In hands of time, The crafts of Aceh, by Barbara Leigh,
the writer refers a bamboo shoot motif, Pucuk rebung.

In this old thread there is also information : http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3696&highlight=atjeh