Something Else For ID
 

One of these days I'm going to have to stop buying things that I have no idea as to what they are. This is the latest item I have picked up. It was very cheap so I really have nothing to loose if it is just tourist junk. These are the only pictures I have of it and of right now I don't even have any dimensions. Any and all help on where this is from, its possible age and what it is called would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Robert

Interesting piece Robert,
The hilt reminds me of a lasara.

Hi Robert,

looks very indonesian to my eyes.

Regards,

Detlef

I agree with you Detlef.
It reminds me of the Nias Lasara hilts so that general area I'd say.
Possibly Malay, some parang variant?

The carving at the scabbard mouth let me think more to Batak origin. :shrug:

Regards,

Detlef

Could be buddy.
That general area I'd say. Sumartra/Indonesia/Malaysia.
I was just googling parang and coming up with some fairly close matches.

Have a look to the carvings at the scabbard from my rawit: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14105

Very similar IMHO.

Best,

Detlef

Hmm, the subtleties of the various regions are a bit beyond me mate!
I agree it looks similar.
Very nice Rawit by the way! :)

Congratulations, very unusual piece, I have seen another similar in a wall plaque with miniatures of edged weapons.
best regards
carlos

Looks to me as a kind of bendo. Take a look at this link.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=bendo

I would say Borneo / Sarawak based on the scabbard carvings.

The chopper blade is imported, probably by chinese traders.

The hilt would than be an aso / dragon.

I owned something similar in the past, but sold it.
Will check for pictures if I have time.

Best regards,
Willem

Not exactly my area but I would agree with Willem - looks like Borneo carving on the scabbard to me.

My thanks to everyone who have taken time to give their thought and opinions on the place of origin of this unusual parang. I have added photos a few at a time today as I cropped and resized them from the one original auction photo in hopes of helping in its identification. What are everyones thoughts on possible age and whether or not this is a working piece or an item meant for those who travel? Is the writing on the scabbard of any significance or just scribbling from a previous owner that should be removed after it arrives? Again my thanks for all who have helped so far.


Regards,
Robert

I agree with Willem, an Iban utility blade from Sarawak.
Here is a reference picture (unfortunately a bit too dark).

Michael

Robert, if you want to remove the pencil; 'Kleenwood' is made for this; unless there is a finish on the wood .

Hello Michael and thank you very much for you help and for posting your wonderful example.
Rick, I have never heard of 'Kleenwood' before. Can you tell me where to purchase this product?
I cannot help but noticed that no one has offered their opinion on whether or not this it a tourist item or a working piece. Please do not worry about offending as I have developed some pretty thick skin over the years and would not want to represent this for something it is not. Again my thanks to everyone for all your help.

Regards,
Robert

I WOULD AGREE IT IS LIKELY FROM BORNEO AS THE CARVING LOOKS MORE DAYAK THAN SUMATRAN. I WOULD THINK IT IS MADE AS A TOOL FOR LOCALS BUT OF COURSE A TOURIST COULD PICK ONE UP AT THE LOCAL SHOPS OR PERHAPS TRADE OR BUY FROM AN INDIVIDUAL. THE WRITING IN PENCIL MAKES ME THINK PERHAPS IT BELONGED TO SOMEONE AND DIDN'T COME FROM THE STORE LIKE THAT. A INTERESTING ITEM.

Have to agree, after a closer look it seems to be Sarawak carving.
Never have noticed the affinity of Batak and Sarawak carving. :eek: :D