Ethnographic Arms & Armour

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- - Who can help (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=31280)

I just won this dagger.
The shape is a Jambiya, but I cannot pinpoint the country/area is comes from.
Who can Help?

I was about to guess based on the overall "feel" of it that it might be from Indonesia but then I noticed I'm talking to Albert. :D I guess you would know better than I would. Sorry I can't be more help.

Oh, but this looks pretty promising. Via google reverse image search:

Quote:

Beladau Melayu Riau Ulu Tandok

Very good and rare example of a small side weapon called the beladau, from the southern Sumatran Malay region of Riau Lingga. Very interesting handle made of buffalo horn, and in a phallus form depicting the Hindu deity Shiva’s phallus. Wooden sheath with plain silver bands and a horn bottom tip.

Very sturdy blade with double sharp edges, and an arcing profile that tapers to a pointy tip, having a prominent spine along the middle.

Pamor patterns are not contrasting, which is the norm from the area, due to the non nickel metals used. From the forging lines the arrangements are of the mlumah technique and are of the kulit semangko or melon skin pamor.

Length of blade: 7.5"
Overall length: 11"
Condition: Very good condition.
Age: Krises are traditionally made without any date stampings or engravings of the makers’ name. Although a kris smith or “empu” has his own styles configured together with the dapor and especially the ganjar (cross piece). Obvious age wear and tear, usage, familiarity with forms, motifs and designs, origin and history, mediums and materials used are our guidelines in determining an approximate age. This particular piece, from our experience and knowledge, should go back to the late 18th century.

Thank you very much.
You helped enormously.

Any others who have information?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert (Post 302845)

Thank you very much.
You helped enormously.

Any others who have information?

Hello Albert,

I think that the attribution from Jelle is correct, Beladau Melayu.

Regards,
Detlef

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert (Post 302845)

Thank you very much.
You helped enormously.

Any others who have information?

This dagger in my collection may be a Dayak Sadop from Kalimantan. But now you have me thinking it is a Beladau.

Dave A.

Do you have a scabbard?
That might help.

With regret, no scabbard. 🙁

But it looks very similar to the one Werecow posted! :)

Yes, the hilt looks nearly identical in shape... though the blade curvature is actually closer to Albert's.

from a practical point of view; the beladau's (or sadop) shown have a hilt that protects the fingers of the user from slipping up the sharp bit, the base is wider than the blade. The hilt on Alberts specimen is thinner than the blade and doesn't have a guard, seems kinda tricky with those sharp corners. Makes me think that maybe the current hilt might be a replacement?

Kind regards,
Eric.

And I might add, on the beladau the scabbard mouth and hilt base line up nicely when closed, similar width. The narrow hilted piece looks more awkward in the closed position.

Kind regards,
Eric.