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Bill M
16th April 2007, 09:44 AM
Got this yesterday at an antiques show. I am pretty certain the piece is Batak by the blade shape, yet can not find pictures in my reference books.

I like the small face (about 1/2 inch high) in the mouth of the serpent.

Comments?

19.5 inches overall in scabbard.
VVV
16th April 2007, 11:25 AM
Bill,

It looks to me like a Kalasan where the hilt has been recarved inspired by Nias motifs?
Or maybe the hilt has been changed?

Michael
RhysMichael
16th April 2007, 12:55 PM
Got this yesterday at an antiques show. I am pretty certain the piece is Batak by the blade shape, yet can not find pictures in my reference books.

I like the small face (about 1/2 inch high) in the mouth of the serpent.

Comments?

19.5 inches overall in scabbard.

An interesting version for sure, congratulations
As to references "Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipeligo" by Van Zonneveld pg 59 is a good start

Here is one on Atzi's site
http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=1991

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v96/RhysMicheal/batak.jpg
kronckew
16th April 2007, 10:26 PM
se asian flyssa? same blade shape a few thousand miles apart. i want one.....
spiral
16th April 2007, 10:29 PM
Nice Bill, love the hilt ;) Is it wood or horn?

Spiral
katana
16th April 2007, 10:41 PM
se asian flyssa? same blade shape a few thousand miles apart. i want one.....

Doesn't it just.......very nice Bill....I too, think the hilt is superb :cool:
Yannis
17th April 2007, 01:25 AM
I saw the movie "Allien III" yesterday in TV. Bill, are you sure that does not bite? :D
asomotif
18th April 2007, 10:31 AM
very nice sword !
Congratulations.

batak religion is a mystery to me, but internet helps a lot :) :

The cosmological order is represented in religious art forms. The gable ends of traditional houses are richly decorated with the cosmic serpent Naga Padoha carved in wood or in mosaic, lizards, double spirals, female breasts, and the head of the singa, a monster with protruding eyes that is part human, part water buffalo, and part crocodile or lizard. Other wooden sculptures, dances, ritual speeches, and gift-giving ceremonies reflect this cosmological order.

Is the snake in this hilt eating the person or maybe giving birth in a strange way ? Anyone who knows this ?

Best regards,
Willem