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Old 6th October 2005, 05:00 AM   #11
Boedhi Adhitya
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 103
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Hi Alam Syah,
Congratulation on your new blade, it is certainly a good, original pieces. IMHO, the blade age would be more than 19 c. old. Perhaps 17-18c. But once again, judging age is very difficult

In Jogjakarta, as you've already mentioned, this kind of pedang would be called "pedang sudhuk". Sudhuk=tusuk= to stab. That is, you may mainly use it to stab your enemy, though you may use it in slashing motion also. Other shape are Sabet (to slash) and Luwuk. Pedang sudhuk with more angled/curved blade would be called "lar bango" lar=sayap=wing, bango=bangau=crane/stork. Lar bango = shaped likes stork's wing.

IMHO, pedang sudhuk's shape is very unique and had a long history. As I recall, (if my memory not corrupted ) I have noted this unique shape on Borobudur/Prambanan(?) temple's reliefs. Not 100% exactly the same shape, only 90-80% Perhaps, it's Java's origin. But others influence like India may also applied. Any sword's experts's comments will always welcome !

It's used mainly as a practical weapon. Some, though, bear 'pusaka qualities', but very rare. (Rarer than keris !). In Java, together with it's brother tombak (spear/lance), pedang is 'underpriced', e.g., priced lower than a keris. Mainly because you cannot wear it on wedding ceremonies without dealing with police

best regards

boedhi adhitya
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