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Old 4th May 2013, 05:27 PM   #58
Maurice
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David
I have to agree with this conclusion, you will not place exact origin on any of these weapons based upon the bandji patterns on the gun barrels. This is a standard design throughout Indonesia seen in textiles and architectural features. The word "bandja" is taken from the Hokkiên dialect of Chinese and literally means swastika. It has Hindu/Buddhist significance, though this does not necessarily mean that the owners of these weapons were Hindu or Buddhist. The peoples of Indonesia have always been inclusionary people and have adopted both Hindu and Islamic symbolism in a syncretic manner along with the original animistic traditions that existed before these influences entered the archipelago.
I think Michael was on to something in regards to origin early on noting the circular rattan wrap on the OP's gun that i have only seen on Dayak weapons.
Thank you for the explanation of the word "Bandja" David! That explains a lot!
I agree the "katon evok's" (woven ratan knots) point out of the Borneo direction.
But on most of the blunderbusses you don't find these kind of knots, even if they are from Borneo. And than it will be a lot more difficult to nail down the origine.
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