Malay parang ID please

kai · 26th April 2020, 01:46 PM

Thanks, Detlef - take your time!

I assume you refer to the 2 phra-o in your friend‘s pic? Yes, these hilts seem lacquered (as are Ian‘s pieces, too) while the 4 mit deng apparently are not lacquered.

Surface treatment of wood with resin is documented for Malay artisans (cp. Power of Wood) and looks similar to shellac. Also lacquer-like dragon blood is utilized even if more on pommel and scabbard rather than the gripping area.

While it certainly is a possibility, I‘m not yet convinced that such a treatment clearly indicates any Thai origin. Excluding later modifications, it could also hint to a more ceremonial use as opposed to working pieces.

Regards,
Kai

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26th April 2020, 01:46 PM	#9
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Thanks, Detlef - take your time! I assume you refer to the 2 phra-o in your friend‘s pic? Yes, these hilts seem lacquered (as are Ian‘s pieces, too) while the 4 mit deng apparently are not lacquered. Surface treatment of wood with resin is documented for Malay artisans (cp. Power of Wood) and looks similar to shellac. Also lacquer-like dragon blood is utilized even if more on pommel and scabbard rather than the gripping area. While it certainly is a possibility, I‘m not yet convinced that such a treatment clearly indicates any Thai origin. Excluding later modifications, it could also hint to a more ceremonial use as opposed to working pieces. Regards, Kai