Taiwanese aboriginal knife

[blue lander]

It was advertised as a "large Ceremonial knife" and the seller was in Slovenia, but I'm prety sure it's Taiwanese. Maybe Paiwan or Atayal?

So my obvious concern is that it's a tourists piece. The price was good enough that I took the risk. The blade looks relatively new and the carvings on the scabbard are pretty crude. Also the sheath is wood on both sides rather than copper wire like the others I've seen. It's hard to see from the picture but I think the tang is peened to the butt of the hilt.

OAL is 620 mm, I'm not sure if that includes the scabbard or not.

This site has a similar looking one: http://www.forensicfashion.com/1930AtayalWarrior.html

[Sajen]

Sorry Blue,
your concerns are with right, it's a tourist piece, do a little bit search with the keywords "Taiwan" and "Paiwan" and you will find some very good informations how Taiwan knives have to look.

Regards,
Detlef

[Marcus]

Artzi had a nice (albeit expensive) one that has just been sold.

[Sajen]

And here is one which was recently sold by ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-authentic-South-Pacific-sword-scabbard-and-incredible-shoulder-piece-/191537796094?ssPageName=STRK%3AMESINDXX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=90DIy1umO2wC4P0GBMGjpkp4zMw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_354wt_1153
It was quite cheap, maybe because not correct described. I think it is an Atayal knife.

[Sajen]

And here a link where you can see the great collection of a member: http://www.formosatribal.com/show.php?item_id=69

[blue lander]

Oh well... Hopefully it'll be sturdily built. The blade doesn't look too shoddy. At least I only paid 1/12th what a real one costs. It'll make a good wall hanger.