Spear head and sheath

[Taffjones]

Hello everybody decided to come out of the shadows(where i have been lurking for sometime) and have a go at posting.
Have had this item in my collection for some time. Could anybody help me identify it please and maybe give it a bit of a critique please. Some of the questions I would like answered if possible

1. What is it
2. Where does it come from
3. What materials is it made from
4. Is it new/old or somewhere in between
5. Is it a tourist grade item or intended for indigenous use

Thanks

[Henk]

Hi Taffjones,

Welcome to the forum.

It is a tombak from Java, Indonesia. The tombak itself is not new but has some age. You should stain it like a keris blade. Then you will see the pamor.
The scabbard is more recent. Nicely carved.
A friend of mine gave me a tombak with a scabbard similar to yours. The tombak he gave me was stained in Java an he had the scabbard also made there. Certainly not a tourist grade item.

[David R]

Nice item, congratulations.

[Sajen]

Agree with Henk, antique tombak with newer but well carved sheath, most proable from Java. Nice item! :) Search with keyword tombak and you will see more.

BTW, welcome to the forum.

Regards,

Detlef

[Battara]

Great carving.


What everyone else said. :D

[Atlantia]

Nice Tombak. Love the scabbard. What does everyone think the wood is?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Nice Tombak. Love the scabbard. What does everyone think the wood is?

Salaams Atlantia... Looks like Horn or fish bone ...>> but if it's wood perhaps the single fruit with leaves at the tip may indicate type.
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Atlantia]

Salaams Atlantia... Looks like Horn or fish bone ...>> but if it's wood perhaps the single fruit with leaves at the tip may indicate type.
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

Namaste Ibrahiim ;)

I think I can see a knot in it. If it's wood it's very pale almost like Holly, sandalwood or ash I guess. Just wondering what the traditional white wood for these might be?

ATB
Gene

[Rick]

Sandalwood might be a contender .
I have heard that white wood is currently hard to come by for Carvers in the area .

Nice scabbard .
Photo: A. Maisey

[David]

Yes, this is most certainly wood and i agree with Rick that sandalwood might be a contender. :)

[Taffjones]

Just a quick few lines to say thanks to everybody for there help so far. Have used the search function and found some good information about Tombaks. I dont know whether I have the confidence or expertise to have a go at staining but may do in the future.

All the best
Taff