Lopah Petawarans - Gayo or Batak
 

I have two lopah's.
Unfortunately without the sheaths but I was happy to find them anyway...

My question is how do you disitnguish between Batak and Gayo pieces.
Based on really nothing at all my hypthesis is that the top one is Gayo and the bottom one is Batak.

Any input on this is welcome...
Also hints at relevant literature!

Regards, Erik

Congrats, Erik, these are really nice!

From the style, I wouldn't exclude Aceh as origin of the upper one.

I believe I see why you think the slender one has Batak influence. I'm not prepared to narrow down its origins though since finding anything specific for one of the northern Batak groups seems tough, especially without scabbard. Also, I wouldn't rule out a Gayo origin (enough Batak influence there, too).

Regards,
Kai

Thanks, Kai

I see what you mean regarding Aceh style but from what I read in Zonneveld these weapons were not used in Aceh, only in Gayo and Batak area's...

Erik

Hi Erik,


Can you tell me if the hilt material of the one below is akar bahar?

Hi Maurice,

I do not kow how to be sure about this but it certainl could be the case.

Erik

That sure looks like Akar Bahar .
Tap it against the edge of your teeth; A.B. feels like stone , very hard .

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ght=akar+bahar

Also look for growth rings on exposed ends . :)

Then it probably is akar bahar....
Much is covered but it feels as described.

Regards, Erik