Seadajak Parang with rare scabbard

[Dajak]

Seadajak Sword with old type Handle and rare scabbard .

Brass inlay on the back and the side .


Ben


ps Michael did you see an scabbard with that rare end ???

[Maurice]

Hi Ben,


Happy new year!!
Great looking parang.
It is nice to see the similarities in style with this handle of yours to the higher Coppenshandle Michael has!

How old it was estimated you told me these handles were in fashion? (I can,t quite remember). I believed you told me about 1875?

Also nice carved scabbard!!

Maurice

[VVV]

Congratulations!

The best one of your newly acquired parang I have seen so far in 2009! :D
It's very close to the Jimpul I traded with your for the LT in style.
Actually I think it's a Jimpul variation even if the tip isn't squarish.
On the scabbard end I have never seen it before on anything else than Pandat (enclosed an example).
So I assume that it's inspired from the Land Dayaks in style?

Michael

[Tim Simmons]

Happy New Year, interesting handle, the forming of the gunge around the top and the silver coin. What is the metal on the grip?

[Dajak]

Congratulations!

The best one of your newly acquired parang I have seen so far in 2009! :D
It's very close to the Jimpul I traded with your for the LT in style.
Actually I think it's a Jimpul variation even if the tip isn't squarish.
On the scabbard end I have never seen it before on anything else than Pandat (enclosed an example).
So I assume that it's inspired from the Land Dayaks in style?

Michael

Hi Maurice that is correct .

Hi Michael maybe it is the other way around that is the way I like to find out.

I think that there are 2 variations off pandats that one type did belong to the seadayaks but I never did found any proof that this right or wrong .

You are right whit thinking that there must be a few variations of the Jimpul
type we know from the shelford publication .
I see to much of this type very old ones .
You have also a few maybe you can post them also here to compare .

Compare your Oldman and your Coppens both maybe same age different area
different style .

The metal on the Handle is not silver Tim but could be an mix .

Ben

[Tim Simmons]

It could be tin? but most likely a local silver. Tin lead and silver?

[Dajak]

Hi Tim no not tin it is more metal mix whit maybe a little silver but it is to strong to be silver and I put an boiled eg against it and no reaction so no much silver in it anyway .

The coins are silver from the netherlands .

Ben

[Tim Simmons]

Well if not alloyed with silver. It is most likey a tin solder wire. Or possibly Britannia metal which is not that far removed from tin solder.

[Tim Simmons]

Paktong.

[katana]

I put an boiled eg against it and no reaction so no much silver in it anyway .

Ben


Hi Ben,
I didn't know this....am I right that the 'white' of the boiled egg changes colour when in contact with silver ? Can you 'gauge' the silver content by the speed of the 'reaction'.... is the colour change 'darker'... the higher the silver content ? Could you explain..Thank you

Regards and Happy New Year

David

[Dajak]

Hi David


I use the yellow after the white and my expiriance is the faster and darker the more silver is in it try to eath an boiled eg with an silver spoon .


Ben

[katana]

Hi David


I use the yellow after the white and my expiriance is the faster and darker the more silver is in it try to eath an boiled eg with an silver spoon .


Ben

Thank you Ben :)

[Dajak]

Well if not alloyed with silver. It is most likey a tin solder wire. Or possibly Britannia metal which is not that far removed from tin solder.


Is that the same as berlin silver


Ben

[Battara]

Is that the same as berlin silver
Do you mean German Silver?

[Dajak]

Hi Jose yes I mean German silver overhere in Netherlands/Germany they call it Berlin silver.

I think the English call it alpacca but not sure .


Ben

[VVV]

Hi Ben,

There are two styles of pandat but they are Sidin and Bennah according to Shelford (see examples in order).
The ones with the resembling scabbard end as your parang are Sidin.
So I assume that you suspect that it's the Sidin version that somehow is connected to Iban?

On jimpul variations I consider the following two jimpul too even if they don't have the squarish end of the blade.

Michael

[asomotif]

English call it alpacca but not sure

Found the following :
Alpaca / Berlin silver :
copper: 64 à 65 %
zinc: 23 à 24%
nickel: 12%

But I can imagine if it is locally made any combination of materials could be used. :shrug:

best regards,
Willem

[Dajak]

My second Seadajak parang did get it yesterday.

It does have an heavy blade and little heads on the handle .

And very long hair from the handle .

Ben

[Maurice]

Hi Ben,


Nice example....:D
I have not often seen these kind of little faces on the handles. Also the carvings on the scabbard I do like.
Are those metal bands on the scabbard?

Maurice

[Dajak]

Hi Maurice yes metal bands .

Ben

[VVV]

Another beauty!

Somehow this one doesn't look as much as a jimpul as your first.
Could be because of the krowit and that the fuller ends before it?
Maybe it's more related to the Gayang of W Sabah and NW Sarawak?
Ben, what's your instinctive feeling when holding it IRL?

Michael

[Tim Simmons]

Ben, you need to get that white metal tested properly. I have been thinking about your test, I could eat a boiled egg every day for a month and a silver spoon may still not tarnish. It does already look tarnished.

[Dajak]

Another beauty!

Somehow this one doesn't look as much as a jimpul as your first.
Could be because of the krowit and that the fuller ends before it?
Maybe it's more related to the Gayang of W Sabah and NW Sarawak?
Ben, what's your instinctive feeling when holding it IRL?

Michael

Hi Michael it is smaller but it is an heavy one .

In real it looks much better.

But first one is the best these 2 comes from the same collector has the best Parang Ilang collection that I know with the rarest piece s.

Ben

[Mytribalworld]

Hi Michael it is smaller but it is an heavy one .

In real it looks much better.

But first one is the best these 2 comes from the same collector has the best Parang Ilang collection that I know with the rarest piece s.

Ben

Hi Ben,

here the pic I promised ( the one in the middle)

Arjan

[Dajak]

Hi Arjan can you also show us what type off blade it is ?

that one down below is that also an seadajak parang ???

Thanks Ben

[Mytribalworld]

Hi Arjan can you also show us what type off blade it is ?

that one down below is that also an seadajak parang ???

Thanks Ben

Hi Ben,

No In my opinion the lower is a Dusun mandau from Kinabatingan area.


Arjan.

[Tim Simmons]

Although this is not as curved and I know little about these really. I can see some similarities to the blade and the scabbard. Any more information would be very nice to know. This is my a favourite.

[Dajak]

Hi Ben,

No In my opinion the lower is a Dusun mandau from Kinabatingan area.


Arjan.

Nice blade that lower one I did ask because I see same style scabbard but with an
LT style blade in the scabbard after I left your nice shop .

Ben

[VVV]

Arjan, I am a bit puzzled with the hilt on the middle one?
Please let me know why it's Iban?
Is the lower one a Parang Gayang?

Tim, yours is nice too but I think you should post it in a separate thread as it's not related to the ones discussed in this thread. It's to confusing otherwise to comment it in relation to the other ones.

Michael

[Tim Simmons]

Micheal I do not mean to confuse anybody, I am a bit confused that might be why I post it here. I like many others probably just see mandau. I just noted some similarity in the scabbard colour and binding also the blade. You guys seem to have all the answers?

[asomotif]

It does have an heavy blade and little heads on the handle .
I am a bit puzzled with the hilt

The handle on Ben's 2nd parang is puzzling too. (with the little heads)
I have seen nothing like it before.

Where is it from Ben ?

[Mytribalworld]

Arjan, I am a bit puzzled with the hilt on the middle one?
Please let me know why it's Iban?
Is the lower one a Parang Gayang?

Tim, yours is nice too but I think you should post it in a separate thread as it's not related to the ones discussed in this thread. It's to confusing otherwise to comment it in relation to the other ones.

Michael

Hi Michael,

The hilt is puzzling me too , I have the idea that this piece is from the north of Borneo below the Murut area but I have no proof.

The lower one is what I call a mandau from the Dusun tribe.

regards,

Arjan.

[Dajak]

The handle on Ben's 2nd parang is puzzling too. (with the little heads)
I have seen nothing like it before.

Where is it from Ben ?

Hi Willem this is very old Iban style I have seen it but can't remember where
the picture is .

As soon as I found it I will let it know .

But I have an new one coming up also with heads .

Ben

[David]

Well, this isn't the first time you all have seen "human" faces on a Dayak hilt. but you may not have noticed them.
I presented this mandau some time back. There is a face kind of hidden on the top and these half hidden faces (circled) near each side of the "snout" of the hilt.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4914&highlight=mandau

[Dajak]

Thanks David for bringing up this But I did see also one that has same style
as the one I have it has a few faces on the handle in same style .


The one you looks like an old one but not an Iban style one .

But the handle you have is an nice old one .

Ben

[asomotif]

very old Iban style I have seen it but can't remember where
the picture is .

Ben, I found the picture. :eek:
Not of the handle, but a picture of the blade and scabbard with another handle...
I really wonder where the handle is from. :cool:
Is the handle Iban ?
Is the blade Iban ?
Are they both Iban and... when where they joined together ? :shrug:
Do the metal bands on the scabbard make it Iban ?
And if so, why where they only recently added ? :shrug:
Is the shell any indication ?
or just recently added. etc ect :shrug:

Considering this iban parang was assembled as a composite in the 21st century, is it worth considering the origin / style or age when it is in fact no longer an original combination of blade and handle at all.

A Puzzling Iban parang indeed.
But I have an new one coming up
maybe better to bring up your next one :D

[Dajak]

Yes Willem they look the same very much this I get from an collector that I am sure he does not buy at oriental arms .

It must be (if they are the same) before he get it he has it several years at his wall that I now off.

It is coming from an collector from Rotterdam .

Metal bands does not look like an replace.

I like to see an close pic off the carving to be sure if it is the same .




Ben

[asomotif]

Hello Ben,

close pic off the carving

Close up pics are in the archive at Oriental arms website.
You can check, it is 100% sure same blade / same scabbard.
They are pretty far back, in 2003 somewhere just before I bought the following mandau from you via ebay.
Notice the hilt ? :shrug:

[Mytribalworld]

Well, this isn't the first time you all have seen "human" faces on a Dayak hilt. but you may not have noticed them.
I presented this mandau some time back. There is a face kind of hidden on the top and these half hidden faces (circled) near each side of the "snout" of the hilt.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4914&highlight=mandau

Hi David,

Thanks for posting, but I was just trying to forget it.... ;)

regards,

Arjan

[Dajak]

Hello Ben,



Close up pics are in the archive at Oriental arms website.
You can check, it is 100% sure same blade / same scabbard.
They are pretty far back, in 2003 somewhere just before I bought the following mandau from you via ebay.
Notice the hilt ? :shrug:


Nice to see that somebody take the hilt off put an very nice one on it (that I did not see that it belong together it fits perfect even the metal bands) I must say it is an very good restauration .

But anyway I like this one very much .

Better than the hair shield you have that one that is complete distroyed with red and black paint.

I like to thank you for let me know this I have to be more looking at the stuf that I can buy .

Maybe we can see more about the mandau and scabbard so I might trace back where it did come from . ( If that was mine and put it in an new thread this one goes about seadajak/jimpul )

Because when I start to collect mandau it was something like 2002/2003 have an old pic from my collection from that time and can't remember the one you showing.

Ben

[Dajak]

This is an another Iban mandau can we call this an Jimpull afther Shellfords publication ??

Or just call it seadajak parang/mandau

This one did belong to Coppens .

Ben

[David]

Hi David,

Thanks for posting, but I was just trying to forget it.... ;)

regards,

Arjan
Sorry... :o ;) :)

[asomotif]

Nice to see that somebody take the hilt off put an very nice one on it (that I did not see that it belong together it fits perfect even the metal bands)
Ben, put some detail pictures on the forum showing how the blade is fixed to the handle and also details of the metal bands.

Than I or other forumites can try to educate you, because it really surprises me that you did not notice this.

Ps. And what an amazing coincidence that the wooden (not spectacular hilt) that was on this parang when it was for sale at Artzi's, ended up on a mandau that I bought from you only a few months later. such a small world.

you really should be more carefull what you buy.
(And where you post the pictures ;) )

[Dajak]

Ps. And what an amazing coincidence that the wooden (not spectacular hilt) that was on this parang when it was for sale at Artzi's, ended up on a mandau that I bought from you only a few months later. such a small world.

Willem If I where you I would more be carefull saying things with no proof
like above and you did with the rentjong .
You suggesting here something that I don't like.
You even can't remeber how much time I visit you that is telling me enough.

Here are an pic off an metal band

Ben

[VVV]

Hi Michael,

The hilt is puzzling me too , I have the idea that this piece is from the north of Borneo below the Murut area but I have no proof.

The lower one is what I call a mandau from the Dusun tribe.

regards,

Arjan.

Arjan,

Has the "mandau from the Dusun tribe" a flat blade with the same decorations on both sides?

Michael

[Mytribalworld]

Arjan,

Has the "mandau from the Dusun tribe" a flat blade with the same decorations on both sides?

Michael

Hi Michael,

No it isn't flat, its holow like a mandau should be.

here some pics

Arjan

[VVV]

That's a bit odd if it should be Dusun as they didn't produce ilang themselves but acquired them from Sarawak or mostly Kalimantan?
The parang they did manufacture is the gayang with flat sides and usually ornaments on both sides.
Maybe your parang ilang is from one of the coastal tribes in Sarawak instead of Dusun?

Michael

[Mytribalworld]

That's a bit odd if it should be Dusun as they didn't produce ilang themselves but acquired them from Sarawak or mostly Kalimantan?
The parang they did manufacture is the gayang with flat sides and usually ornaments on both sides.
Maybe your parang ilang is from one of the coastal tribes in Sarawak instead of Dusun?

Michael

I don't think so, the reason why I think its Dusun ( or Kinabatingan area at least) is that I saw two sword in the KIT wich are in style like mines however mines is a more simple one. They are both decribed as Kinabatangan river. The description in the KIT are mostly very secure. Also the handle has the shape of plate 151 in Hornbill and dragon ( described as Dusun) a lot in common with my example. The Dusun was as far as I know the tribe who lived there in that area. You can recognize them on the triangular shap of the handle,the zig-zag line what mostly on handle and sometimes also on scabbard,the mostly grooved hooks in the carving and the scabbard what wears a square plate with carvings in stead of the mostly triangular shape of other tribes.Mostly carved with flowermotifs or stars.
Can you show me an example of the parang Gayang?

Arjan

see link http://collectie.tropenmuseum.nl/nBasicSearch.asp?lang=&sort=ccrelevance&dclbvb=&dclbgt=&field1=*&searchfor1=kinabatangan&operator1=is&field2=&searchfor2=&operator2=&andornot2=&field3=&searchfor3=&operator3=&andornot3=&field4=&searchfor4=&operator4=&andornot4=&field5=&searchfor5=&operator5=&andornot5=&field6=&searchfor6=&operator6=&andornot6=&field7=&searchfor7=&operator7=&andornot7=&field8=&searchfor8=&operator8=&andornot8=&field9=&searchfor9=&operator9=&andornot9=&field10=&searchfor10=&operator10=&andornot10=&showtype=single%20objects&first=2&searchaids=&geographynode=&subjectnode=&culturenode=

[VVV]

I base my comment on both Evans' and Rutter's ethnographic works describing weapon production among the Dusun.
According to them if it's an ilang then it's most likely "imported" from another tribe outside North of Borneo.
Here are two examples of what might be a Gayang.

Michael

[Mytribalworld]

I base my comment on both Evans' and Rutter's ethnographic works describing weapon production among the Dusun.
According to them if it's an ilang then it's most likely "imported" from another tribe outside North of Borneo.
Here are two examples of what might be a Gayang.

Michael

Hi Michael,

Also Rutter writes that some of the pagan blacksmiths have learnt their manufacture and occasonally turn out weapons of good workmanship.

On the other way the work of Rutter is mainly written around 1920 that was a times where the North part of Borneo was changing by trade, British rulers who has forbidden headhunting and other influences.
Its possible that the mandaus I mentioned are made before this time.
Mines has a coin from 1907 ( which doesn't proof of course that its made in 1907)

In my opinion the style ( in carving,not the blades) is to different from the Iban.The baldes of the gayang you show looks to be imported form the west indeed but maybe where decorated with Dusun designs?

[VVV]

...Also Rutter writes that some of the pagan blacksmiths have learnt their manufacture and occasonally turn out weapons of good workmanship... (snip)
...In my opinion the style ( in carving,not the blades) is to different from the Iban.The baldes of the gayang you show looks to be imported form the west indeed but maybe where decorated with Dusun designs?

Arjan,

Please also have a look in Evans page 189-190 to get the overall picture of my conclusion.
On Rutter's comment I understand that it refers more to gayang than the ilang?
Your opinion quoted above, as I understand it, I find very probable.
That even if the blades maybe were imported the decorations (=dress, hilt, carvings) are locally made and Dusun.
Similar to the trade blades in the keris world.
In several Kalimantan sources we read that the best ilang blades were traded to other tribes...

Michael

[Mytribalworld]

Arjan,

Please also have a look in Evans page 189-190 to get the overall picture of my conclusion.
On Rutter's comment I understand that it refers more to gayang than the ilang?
Your opinion quoted above, as I understand it, I find very probable.
That even if the blades maybe were imported the decorations (=dress, hilt, carvings) are locally made and Dusun.
Similar to the trade blades in the keris world.
In several Kalimantan sources we read that the best ilang blades were traded to other tribes...

Michael

Hi Michael,

I don't have Evans here at hand, but whatever he writes know that he based his work mainly on the Tempasuk Dusun ( where he was located) and other coastal groups of Dusun. Kinabatangan is a whole different area. The Dusun around the Kinbatangan are from the other Dusun groups living inland.

I think that its good possible that the "parang gayang" was the trade parang and was obtained from kampong Gayang what quite close at the coast in Sabah.
see link http://www.maplandia.com/malaysia/sabah/kampong-gayang/

The Dusun mandau I ahve seen have blades that looks like the blades from the Baram rivergroups. I don't think that the Dusun blacksmith where able to produce such masterpieces. The blade of my example is very simple and I can imagine that its possible that its made locally. Its hollow but not that way like a good kayan or kenyah blade.

Arjan.

[VVV]

Hi Arjan,

It's correct that Evans was based in West Sabah but the problem is that I don't know of anybody who did any research on the Eastern Dusun. Do you?
Also naming a group of people living in such a widespread area as Dusun overall is problematic.
Having travelled myself in both of these areas I find it probable that a lot of the trade along the river of Kinabatangan might have originated from the vivid commercial metropol of Sandakan. This means that among the Eastern Dusun probably a lot more of direct Sulu influence was present than on the West side where Brunei were more influential in trade items? All villages are located close to the river today and I find it hard to believe that it was different 100+ years ago based on the dense jungles. I tried to get permission from the local guides when there to take a jungle walk but they explained to me that it was too dense and no paths. So from what I have experience this area is quite different from for instance along the Mahakam river in Kalimantan where there are a lot of paths between villages and not everything centers around the river.
On the trade blades I am of the complete different opinion based on the books I referred to. Have you found any other source or why do you think that the simpler, only locally produced parang was the trade version?
On your blade I hope to see it next time we meet to comment it further on how hollow it is etc.

Michael

[Mytribalworld]

Hi Arjan,

It's correct that Evans was based in West Sabah but the problem is that I don't know of anybody who did any research on the Eastern Dusun. Do you?
Also naming a group of people living in such a widespread area as Dusun overall is problematic.
Having travelled myself in both of these areas I find it probable that a lot of the trade along the river of Kinabatangan might have originated from the vivid commercial metropol of Sandakan. This means that among the Eastern Dusun probably a lot more of direct Sulu influence was present than on the West side where Brunei were more influential in trade items? All villages are located close to the river today and I find it hard to believe that it was different 100+ years ago based on the dense jungles. I tried to get permission from the local guides when there to take a jungle walk but they explained to me that it was too dense and no paths. So from what I have experience this area is quite different from for instance along the Mahakam river in Kalimantan where there are a lot of paths between villages and not everything centers around the river.
On the trade blades I am of the complete different opinion based on the books I referred to. Have you found any other source or why do you think that the simpler, only locally produced parang was the trade version?
On your blade I hope to see it next time we meet to comment it further on how hollow it is etc.

Michael

Hi Michael,

East Sabah seems to be not as much visited and researched as the west part. I know for example that Osa Johnson landed there with his catalina on the kinabatangan river ( will list pics tomorrow). writers I only found two specific on the east: Doroty Cator "everyday life among the headhunters"and D.D.Daly explorations in British North Borneo 1883-1887 Both books I have not read yet.

Reading the book of Rutter we see that it was just the western part of Sabah where a lot of trade was , also from Chinese and Bajau.
there where still markets there with 700 stands !

Also if you see the photo's of the book of Rutter you see philippine weapons in use at the western part of Sabah.

I also found googling the word "Gayang" often related to the philippines and should be the word for "sword".
Is maybe a parang gayang the word for an imported sword from the philippines? Or was it reproduced in the north borneo? Maybe im wrong that also possible but its remarkable that he doesn't speak about phillipine weaponery in the chapter where he is talking about swords.

I don't mean that I didn't believe that the Dusun imported sword or mandaublades, of course they did.
I think however that the handles and scabbards where made locally by Dusun craftsman, sometimes with locally made blades ( krowit-less simple examples)
and sometimes with good imported blades.

well however it is its a interesting discussion and you let me start reading again! :)

Arjan.

[Dajak]

The only thing that I can say to it that the Kenya and Kayan where famous for their blades and a lot off Iban, Murut and other ones did get Parang Ilang blades from them .( By Buying ,Trading or by Killing )

This you can see on old pics .

Also is it important wich time what happend a lot off people did think they where in an certain area but that was not the place they where .

And we now a lot of people mixed up things at that time .

But always interesting this type off discussion because we all can learn from it.

Maybe when you come over Michael it is nice we 3 meet together to discus some new piece s that I will get.


Ben

Ben

[Mytribalworld]

Hi Michael,

East Sabah seems to be not as much visited and researched as the west part. I know for example that Osa Johnson landed there with his catalina on the kinabatangan river ( will list pics tomorrow). writers I only found two specific on the east: Doroty Cator "everyday life among the headhunters"and D.D.Daly explorations in British North Borneo 1883-1887 Both books I have not read yet.

Reading the book of Rutter we see that it was just the western part of Sabah where a lot of trade was , also from Chinese and Bajau.
there where still markets there with 700 stands !

Also if you see the photo's of the book of Rutter you see philippine weapons in use at the western part of Sabah.

I also found googling the word "Gayang" often related to the philippines and should be the word for "sword".
Is maybe a parang gayang the word for an imported sword/blade from the philippines? Or was it reproduced in the north borneo? Or does he mean that a gayang is a mandau type but with local blade and so not hollow bladed?

I don't mean that I didn't believe that the Dusun imported sword or mandaublades, of course they did.
I think however that the handles and scabbards where made locally by Dusun craftsman, sometimes with locally made blades ( krowit-less simple examples)
and sometimes with good imported blades.The carvings are to diiferent from Iban swords I think.

well however it is its a interesting discussion and you let me start reading again! :)

Arjan.

ooh BTW just found a free download !http://www.archive.org/details/everydaylifeamon00cato

[VVV]

Thanks for the link Arjan!!!
I haven't read this book yet and wasn't aware that it was about East Sabah too.
On the use of Filipino weapons among Dusun in West Sabah both barong/pida and kris/sundang were common.
Another imported weapon was the pedang from Brunei. Everything described in detail in Evans' book.
On trade Sandakan was the major trade city in the old days and it also used to belong to the Sulu Sultanate. Actually along the East coast, as well as the North coast, there are still today close contact with Philippines. I visited Sipadan island the first time I was in Sabah and a year later there was a kidnapping of tourists at that island by the Abu Sayaf. I also remember seeing some Tausug when in Semporna.
On gayang I am aware that it's also sometimes found in the Philippines but it's described as a weapon originating from Borneo (can't remember the source at the moment for this, sorry).

Ben, that sounds like a great idea. Let's try to get together all three of us next time when I am in Holland.
Or maybe it's time for you two to visit me?

Michael

[Dajak]

Ben, that sounds like a great idea. Let's try to get together all three of us next time when I am in Holland.
Or maybe it's time for you two to visit me?

Michael


Not an bad idee Michael


Ben

[Mytribalworld]

Not an bad idee Michael


Ben

Indeed I should love to visit you once.
But I was already quite happy last week that I could finally pull over my wife and kids to go to Florence this summer.
I had to push a little course they wanted to Rome but I told them that Florence has more beauty,art, etc ( and also a the museum with the Nias collection of Elio Modigliani :D :D :D )

Arjan

[ariel]

OK, folks, let me throw a bit more gas on the fire!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=370140508160

[VVV]

To me it looks like an old West Kalimantan Iban Jimpul with a rare kind of scabbard.
The end like Ben's and the quite rare red colour on the wood.
That's why I bought it and hope I am right when I recieve it.

Michael

[Dajak]

Here an rare type blade that we only see with the Muruts .


Ben

[VVV]

Here is the jimpul with the rare scabbard that Ariel asked about before I got it. It looks nice and old all over.
The only thing I am not sure about is how old the red and yellow colour is on the scabbard.
I gave the blade a light cleaning.
Unfortunately the light is a problem here up North at this time of the year for pictures.

Michael

[asomotif]

Hi Michael,

A special scabbard.
Do you think the ratta strip on the edge is original

I would leave the paint on the scabbard. It will probably not be as old as the scabbard itself, but I think it was an original (tribal) addition at some time.
I do'nt think the paint was some addition to improve the market value on ebay
For a better market value he should have cleaned the blade before auctioning
I saw this one too and even thought about placing a bid.
But than the finacial crisis struck :( ;)


What do you think of the handle ?
It is not newly made, but is it as old as the blade and scabbard ?

Best regards,
Willem

[VVV]

Hi Willem,

The rattan strip is unusual as it differs from the Kutei/Mahakam style were it sticks out at the end of the scabbard, instead of in front of it like this one. But I have seen another W Kalimantan style jimpul with this feature in a museum. It also had a red scabbard, the same style of blade and resembling hilt motivs (but antler hilt).
I also think the colour is added later by a former Iban owner and I will let it stay on.
On the handle I have this parang, also W Kalimantan Iban, with a slightly resembling wooden hilt style (see picture). It even has the same kind of Borneo coin attached to the grip!
That one was field-collected around 1920.
I think the handle on the jimpul is at least early 1900's.

Michael

[asomotif]

That is a nice handle.

What is the diameter of the coins ?

It looks like the dutch indies 2,5 cents coin.
I have one from 1945, but I have no idea when they started making these.
(pictures are a bit blurred, but this looks like the same coin / 31 mm across)

Best regards,

[Gonzalo G]

Silver Nickel
Pakfung
Paktong
Alpaca
German Silver
Berlin Silver
White Metal

Different names for the same alloy. I am an ignorant on this kind of weapons, and this reference to the use of german silver on them is an interesting point. I wonder if this was a common feature on their craft, and since when. This can be useful in dating an item, as it is on the case of the khukris.
Regards

Gonzalo

[VVV]

Willem, it looks like that coin and size is roughly the same.
Gonzalo, that kind of alloy as on Ben's handle isn't "standard" on these parang.

Michael

[Gonzalo G]

Thank you, Michael. This data is useful to me.
Regards

Gonzalo