Peurawot from Aceh

[asomotif]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Michael,


Agree with Willem that it does look a bit "suspicious" - experienced seller says black horn though. If the hilt feels more like stone (harder; colder to the touch), it most likely is Akar Bahar. Close-ups!

Regards,
Kai

????

I don't see anybody calling the hilt material suspicious. I am not anyway.

Best regards,
Willem

[Maurice]

Willem, why do you think it's "suspicious"?

I don't think so at all....

[kai]

Hello Willem,

Sorry for the glitch: I meant to respond to Rick's comment regarding the hilt material.

I don't see anybody calling the hilt material suspicious. I am not anyway.

Suspiciously looking like Akar Bahar (at bit at least) - that's why I put "suspicious" in quotes. Forgot to add a smiley for increased safety though...

Regards,
Kai

[VVV]

Hi all,

I also "suspect" that it is akar bahar but I don't want to claim it until I am sure.
Here are some additional close ups regarding your questions on material, design and if the blade has been reshaped
(quite possible because this is not the traditional blade shape for this knife but a early/mid 20th C version).

On it's use, in all references I have read it is described specifically as a knife for betel nuts.
Maybe it had some status implications to have a separate knife solely for this?

I look forward to Gavin's and Kai's coming picture contributions.

Michael

[Gavin Nugent]

Very nice Michael,

I would, based on the images call this a horn hilt.

Gavin

[Gavin Nugent]

Michael,

As requested.

Horn, Suasa, timber and ink.

Gavin

[kai]

Hello Gavin,

I would, based on the images call this a horn hilt.

I am now also leaning towards horn (despite the unsharp pics). Please keep us posted with the final assessment, Michael!

BTW, neat peurawot with beautiful scabbard and special hilt!

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Michael,

Here are some additional close ups regarding your questions on material, design and if the blade has been reshaped
(quite possible because this is not the traditional blade shape for this knife but a early/mid 20th C version).

Thanks for the pics! I've seen the blade shape varying quite a bit with these - are you going to etch it?

On it's use, in all references I have read it is described specifically as a knife for betel nuts.
Maybe it had some status implications to have a separate knife solely for this?

Yes, like I surmised earlier, it is quite possible that this was only used for this purpose by the upper strata of society. Not much else they are needing a knife for on a regular basis...

BTW, I've been traveling with a heavy betel user in another culture - the supply was coming ready to use from street vendors with not much to prepare. Does anybody know the traditional routine in Aceh when chewing betel in a social setting?

Regards,
Kai

[Amuk Murugul]

Hullo everybody!

Just a passing comment:

Peurawot, as its name suggests, was essentially used for carving/forming (hence the variation in blade-shape and size).
As for its use as a pinang cutter: I would suggest, more as a shaver, to which it would lend itself (in the absence of an implement specifically for that purpose).

It should not be confused with badik/rencong -type implements, which were designed for a different purpose.
Examination of the blade and handle should be a determining factor.

Best,

[asomotif]

Just adding an old picture from another thread

[kai]

Here some examples from my collection, finally.

Most are clearly status pieces while the last one appears to be a multipurpose tool rather than a specialised carving knife; note the similarity with Michael's larger example at the start of the thread (both blades not displaying the typical peurawot blade shape).

Regards,
Kai