|
|
|
12th August 2015, 01:33 AM
|
#1 |
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 9,203
|
Hello Charles,
very nice Malay sundang. I have a picture in my database from a very, very similar piece. I first thought that it is the same one. I don't remember if the hilt has been from horn or from tarnished silver. This sundang has a baca-baca.  Regards, Detlef |
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 03:53 AM
|
#2 |
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Minneapolis,MN
Posts: 350
|
The pierce work on the kembang kacang is really cool.
Have fun, Leif |
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 07:29 AM
|
#3 |
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
|
Big Brother
That's a fine Sundang there Charles. I think it is a cut above the "poor" mans Sundang as the blade is a fine type...the hilt has features heading in the direction of this one I present;
Here is his big brother. This example wears a stunning repousse silver sheath over its original timber inner and horn throat piece....the timber inner cannot be removed so I cannot comment on whether the base has a horn insert. it carries a broad 5 luk blade with the luks to the base and broad clear hardened edge. I really like the blade type in yours, it has very strong features. Gavin |
|
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 09:19 PM
|
#4 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,453
|
Quote:
The Malay sundang Detlef is refering to has a similar segments grip, covered with brass segments and silver wire. It has a horn pommel in the shape of a bird. Maybe yours had brass or silver wire in the past too around the grip? I will make a photo of the hilt within a few days for you as reference. Kind regards, Maurice |
|
|
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 09:29 PM
|
#5 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 9,203
|
Quote:
congrats, great catch! Also the mandau is great!  Best regards, Detlef |
|
|
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 09:44 PM
|
#6 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,453
|
Quote:
The sundang is very nice, but in this lot the mandau was my first priority... Kind regards, Maurice |
|
|
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 09:51 PM
|
#7 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 9,203
|
Quote:
Hello Maurice, when I remember correct it is special and a great piece, but my first priority was the sundang, great piece with the bird carved pommel!  Curious to see your pictures. Best regards, Detlef |
|
|
|
|
|
12th August 2015, 11:40 PM
|
#8 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greenville, NC
Posts: 1,854
|
Quote:
Maurice I really don't get the sense here that there was ever silver or brass grip segments or a silver ferrule here. I think the way it is...imitating those things...is exactly what the craftsman was going for. |
|
|
|
|
|
13th August 2015, 04:39 AM
|
#9 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
|
Quote:
Gavin |
|
|
|
|
|
13th August 2015, 07:07 AM
|
#10 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,453
|
Quote:
I said, that maybe, (just maybe), there would be silver wire or segments on the grip, and I meant between the higher levels carving. I agree with you the craftsman was imitating those things, but in between there could be some silverwire or brass segments for decoration or have a better grip. But ofcourse maybe there never was, and it is just because I am used to see that on handles...
|
|
|
|
|
|
13th August 2015, 05:07 PM
|
#11 |
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,453
|
Here the photos of the handle.
A small piece is damaged at the back of the handle. |
|
|
|
|
13th August 2015, 06:34 PM
|
#12 |
|
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,396
|
Maurice:
That is a very interesting hilt! Thank you for posting this picture. The pommel shows the clearest representation I have yet seen of a bird's head, crest and beak. For some time we have debated what the style of pommel on Charles' sword might represent. Some describe this as a kakatua (cockatoo), others have thought it might represent a sarimanok (a mythical chicken important in Maranao tradition). Your example seems to be the "missing link" in terms of confirming that this does represent a bird's head with a sturdy beak and crest. The appearance of your example would better fit a cockatoo than a chicken IMO. Being such a realistic depiction prompts me to think that this may be a very early example of the style. Would you post a picture or two of the blade also. What do you estimate the age of this one to be? Ian Last edited by Ian; 14th August 2015 at 01:22 AM. |
|
|
|
|
14th August 2015, 12:49 AM
|
#13 |
|
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,218
|
So what is the general consensus on the purpose of the Malay Sundang. Was it more a weapon of war or a weapon of status. I ask because many if not most of these seem to either have no asang-asang or one that is purely decorative and doesn't connect to the hilt. Given the tang length and methods of attachment i an not sure that the weapon could be wielded well in battle as a slashing blade without the blade coming loose from the hilt.
|
|
|
|
|
15th August 2015, 06:33 PM
|
#14 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,453
|
Quote:
Unfortunately I didn't manage to make some pictures of the blade also, as after I shot the photos of the hilt, I brought it to my restorer because the scabbard needs some care. I'm sure it is very old, looking at the patina on the grip and the all over appearance. Kind regards, Maurice |
|
|
|
|
|
17th August 2015, 03:44 AM
|
#15 | |
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Witness Protection Program
Posts: 1,730
|
Quote:
so how did you came to the conclusion that this could be the "missing link"? correct me if i'm wrong, but IMHO, this particular sundang is Malay, and not Moro, yes? you're right in that it's not a sarimanok, but at the same time, it doesn't look like a cockatoo either. it looks more like a parrot, a popular motif outside of moroland
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
CharlesS 
Hybrid Mode
