A northern Malay pedang - Pattani?

[kai]

This blade type seems widely distributed among coastal Malay cultures; even Batak examples are known (possibly refitted blades introduced by trade or as gift from neighbouring rulers): A relatively long, broad, and flexible blade with somewhat obtuse tip and a sharpened back edge (often about half of the length); usually with nicely pattern-welded pamor that looks indigenous to me. Some blades are more slender, fully edged, and/or come with fuller(s). Malay Chenangkas also often seem to come with similar blades.

This example has a well-controlled pamor mlumah with subtle/calm patterning and on top of this a pattern-welded "…XIIIXIIIX…” motif: This motif is commonly seen engraved or inlaid at the back of blades; here it is done in a similar way at the side of the blade as part of the forging work. Need to bring it out with a fresh etch, I guess.

This type of pommel with a rather obvious head and its distinct features is a variant of the ubiquitous Makara form and originates from the northern Malay culture, probably Pattani and neighbouring sultanates. Horn with old remnants of Melayu dragonblood paint visible inside the mouth; silver fittings and an old tassel. A closely related pommel type is known from Pattani nobility badek (cp. Spirit of Wood, p. 152).

Also note the heavy bolster (thickness 12.6 mm = 1/2”) in front of the guard!

Regards,
Kai
(Pictures courtesy of our forumite kino since I have yet to receive this piece obtained early this year - thanks heaps for your help, Albert!)

[kai]

Here is another example of this type from Charles vast vault!

#6 in his classic thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4682
(An update would be greatly appreciated, Charles!)
6. Very unusual form with a fine blade and a more rare (that they survive!!) wooden hilt in wayang form.

Blade and pommel of the same type; silver guard and grip of the widely distributed type. Note also similarities of the scabbard! [Pommel not wayang-based though.]

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

A blade with very similar shape and pamor; no bolster:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=22865

[kai]

A more slender blade as commonly seen with Chenangkas:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16579

[kai]

Another Chenangkas with pamor blade:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17534

[kai]

One more example: A similar blade in Batak fittings.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

P.S.: The latter 3 examples are just for comparison... ;)

[Sajen]

Hello Kai,

crazy that you don't have received any comments until now! ;) :rolleyes: A truly beautiful sword you have acquired there, love the beautiful carved Makara handle. And you have done a very good research and the Malay origin seems to be a very good possibility also when the Makara from the Malay badek look slightly different but I can't offer a better origin from your nice pedang. Sadly the handle missing it's upper handle sleeve. Again, a truly beauty!

Regards,
Detlef

[Gustav]

Kai, a very nice sword.

Only one thing - the metal sleeves and the motif on them is what we often seen on refurbished Minang and Palembang Kerisses coming out of post WWII Sumatra. I see the reason, why these could be Malayan, but... am not 100% sure about it.

[Battara]

So Gustav you are saying that these type of silver scabbard mounts are more recent?

BTW - Love the blades

[Gustav]

Jose, I am referring only to the metal mounts on the first Pedang -

- yes.

[Battara]

That's the one Gustav, thank you.

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

Thanks for your comments and keeping the ball rolling! ;)


the Malay origin seems to be a very good possibility also when the Makara from the Malay badek look slightly different
Some details are quite similar, some others are missing though, indeed.

Note that the pommel size is different; utilizing horn also necessitates some changes at the mouth/etc. due to the hollow core as does functionality as a sword hilt.

Swords with these naturalistic makara pommel seem to be exceedingly rare and I've yet to find any well-provenanced examples. Given the differences between mine and Charles' pieces (and more differences compared to northern Malayan badek), I agree that we need to keep an open mind and more data.


Sadly the handle missing it's upper handle sleeve.
That's quite possible! I need to examine it personally to check for any hints...

The tassel seems to have some age - I'd guess that the current configuration has been in use for a while (post-WW2?).

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Thanks, Gustav!

the metal sleeves and the motif on them is what we often seen on refurbished Minang and Palembang Kerisses coming out of post WWII Sumatra. I see the reason, why these could be Malayan, but... am not 100% sure about it.
I don't have close-ups of the scabbard bands yet; assuming that they approximate the ferrule, you have a point, indeed. I need to research this some more!

Charles, could you please post close-ups of the scabbard (sword from post #2), please?

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

BTW - Love the blades
Thanks, Jose! The ones that I handled also exhibited a neat balance.

I'll try to post some more pics after cleaning and etching...

Regards,
Kai

[sakimori]

Love the pommel of "Makara"...great carving and really COOL figure :D