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Originally Posted by David
No offense to European arms collectors intended Jim, but i'm not so sure that the "Indonesian Experts" spend all that much time checking stuff out over on this forum. Robert, you might want to post this over on the main forum to see is it attracts some more attention. The VOC mark looks a bit rough and suspect to me, but you never know...  |
No problem at all David, and it is very true that while there are distinct differences in these fields categorically, there are always profound influences between them. This was one of the reasons I wanted to expand to a subforum which dealt more directly with European, military and other categories which exceeded the ethnographic denominator.
One of the most fascinating areas of collecting for me was always the hybrid weapons found in the colonial regions occupied by many of the European powers, for example the swords of the British Raj. The subject of the Dutch East Indies is fascinating and the cross influences and diffusion of weapons can be entirely intriguing.
I must admit that I have often shied away from the Indonesian field as it is so consumingly complex, and though I always have admired the knowledge of the specialists in these, it is a daunting area of collecting. Recently I have been learning more on these, and with the factors I have noted, can see the excitement and fascination in them.
One key note of fascination to me historically was always that these entirely exotic weapons were included in Rembrandts collection of arms, and in well known cases appeared in some of his Biblical theme paintings. It was always fascinating to see the adventure of the high seas and the VOC bringing these weapons from another world into that of this most famous artist.
Back to the swords
Ians observations are well placed, as are Cornelis' comments which are most helpful in noting the later pattern these seem to be derived from, and the comments on the VOC markings.
I think it would be good to post these independantly on the Ethnographic Forum as suggested, to include those collectors who quite likely may have seen these type items in the context of other Indonesian items. While the post itself is well placed here from the Dutch origin of the sword type, the Indonesian provenance is as well pertinant.
This situation is an excellent example of the harmonious collaboration between these seemingly different forums, and the hybridization in weapons that reflects the important influences of cross culture diffusion.
Excellent observations and comments guys!!!
All very best regards,
Jim