Parang Latok Buko

[SidJ]

Some pics of what I think is an early Buko parang latok. Shows unusual lamination and a hard inserted cutting edge. Exceptionally thick spine at hilt at 18mm. Hilt is antler. I have not seen anything similar in Zonneveld or elsewhere. Any thoughts from Borneo experts?

[Sajen]

Hello Sid,

It's either a latok or a buko.
A latok is from the Malay people and a buko from the Land Dayak.
I think that yours is a buko, can you add some dimensions?
Here are two threads which may for interest for you: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=23645&highlight=latok+buko
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1925&highlight=buko

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

I'm with Detlef - looks like a buko, indeed.

Regards,
Kai

[SidJ]

43 cm to bend in blade. 49cm blade length. 62 cm overall. I thought Buko was the term for a smaller latok but I stand corrected if this is wrong.

[milandro]

I am learning a lot following up your posts :)

I found a source which quotes another reference book (I suppose none of this is set in stone)



"...differences between the Latok and the Buko according to Shelford:

LATOK BUKO
Hilt Transverse grooves Carved head
Blade length +/- 52cm +/- 45cm
Blade largest width +/- 5.5 cm +/- 4 cm....."


http://old.blades.free.fr/swords/dayak/par02_buko.htm



https://www.jstor.org/stable/2842798

[SidJ]

Thanks Milandro
This is extremely useful and valuable. I had not seen any examples of Buko before this! Parang Latok seems to dominate available images.