sword help

[kisuke]

Hi could somone please tell me what this sword is it is my fathers and he has had it for about 20 years it is said to be very old it also has eight notches cut in the right side of it i was told that this was the number of heads it has cut off but not sure.

[Rick]

bump

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Kisuke,
With the number of guys here who focus on SE Asian, Filipino and Indonesian weapons, I cannot believe nobody has answered this !
Since these areas are outside my field of study, without resources to check, I would say it is likely from the Philippines or possibly Malaysia. Maybe I can find something in Stone.

As far as the notches, it would be good to see a picture of them. As far as it has been determined, there is no established validity to notches, markings, brass dots, holes or any means of tallying either kills or heads taken on weapons. This of course has been longstanding in associated folklore concerning tribes or more often, dealers selling weapons. While there are of course cultures who ceremonially recognize headhunting and other warfare achievements, as far as I know no tally marks were placed on weapons.

In another discussion some time ago on this topic, I was reminded of the gunfighters here in America's wild west, who supposedly placed a notch in thier gun signifying the number of thier victims. This of course is the product of sensationalized tales of western writers, and there is virtually no evidence of any notched handles in the guns of any of the gunfighters.

Looks like a sound example, and if I can find anything more I'll post it.

All best regards,
Jim

[Jim McDougall]

Checked Stone, p.249 (fig. 306)
This appears to possibly be a form of golok, a heavy chopping weapon used in Malayan countries, and with its size and shape, possibly Mindanao. I look forward to observations from the members who collect in this field.

[Rick]

I would like to see better closer pictures of the hilt and blade before even hazarding a guess . I think Jim is on the right track but we need more detailed pictures . :)

[Nonoy Tan]

I believe that it is a Negrito bolo - specifically the Aeta of Zambales, Philippines.

[Jim McDougall]

Anybody know where Kisuke went ? I wonder if any of this was of interest.

[kahnjar1]

Anybody know where Kisuke went ? I wonder if any of this was of interest.
A little thanks or at least acknowledgement goes a long way!!

[Jim McDougall]

A little thanks or at least acknowledgement goes a long way!!

10-4 on that Kahnjar!
It's always frustrating when somebody posts something asking for assistance, then simply disappears with adding to discussion or at least acknowledging the comments posted in response. Sometimes the topic or item has a great deal of potential for advancing knowledge or information, and pretty much stops dead in its tracks without participation from the originator, like this thread. I was kind of hoping to hear more on the notches.

All the best,
Jim

[Amuk Murugul]

Hullo everybody,

When scanning this thread, I had a sense of deja vu, as if I had VERY RECENTLY seen the same, or very similar item, for sale/auction. Perhaps the silence speaks for itself.

Regards.