Signal Canon ?

[rasdan]

Hello everybody,

A friend that was researching local history here in Malaysia recently interviewed a person that owns a small canon as a family heirloom. The canon is brass and the length is 35cm. Is it a signal canon? Can anybody help with the origin of this canon?

[Battara]

This is a mini-lantaka made of bronze. These were used as signal cannons and as a form of currency through out the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines up through the late 19th century/early 20th century.

Very nice and great to still have the rattan bindings. This I can tell is a real one and not a recent reproduction.

[rasdan]

Thanks Jose, the rattan looks old, but upon seeing the pictures I thought the rattan was a latter addition, until your comment.

Do you have any examples or reference for this type of cannon? Was it imported or made around the archipelago? Thanks.

[Sajen]

Hello Rasdan, look here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20179&highlight=lantaka
Nice piece!

[Battara]

2 other things:

1. also have a look at this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?p=124282

2. Here is the only book I know that is about the miniature lantaka:
The Might of the Miniature Cannon: a Treasure of Borneo and the Malay Archipelago ISBN 983-41807-2-1

[rasdan]

Sajen and Battara,

Thanks a bundle! :)