PARANG PANDIT

VVV · 5th April 2006, 08:50 AM

Hi Ben,

I have read Ling Roth's book but I think it's very cryptic regarding his description of Dayak swords. Sometimes I suspect that he mixes up names of the swords (Nabur vs Niabor) and a lot seems to come from hearsay. So if Ling Roth is the main source I fully understand why Stone also had problems with classifying some weapons.
Another example is his description of the Dukn. A van Zonneveld obviously chooses only to quote it in his excellent book, maybe because it's hard to figure out what it really is? My guess (!) is that it's the Iban Pedang that resembles the Batak Piso Podang.
Enclosed is a page from Ling Roth on the Parang Pandit (I think?).
If that's the page then he attributes it to the Hill tribes instead of the Sea Dayaks.
I also have enclosed a nice illustration from the same book of a Pandat that resembles yours. Also note that Ling Roth attributes the Kampilan in the same illustration to the Lanun tribe.

This thread more and more looks like a discussion only between us so unless somebody else would like to participate maybe we should continue it off forum?

And I am sure that we all would like to see the 1820 bring back sword.

Michael

PS RhysMichael, Charles Buttin's Catalogue is a catalogue of his collection. I don't have it with me at the moment but I think there is only one plate in it of Indonesian weapons. I find the D Buttin site very well researched and you can find a separate reference list on the site with several good books and articles.

Dajak · 5th April 2006, 08:42 PM

I show you the sword when you visit me other wise I have nothing news for you to see.

VVV · 28th April 2009, 08:47 AM

I am reviving this old thread to share two pandat I have acquired since then.
I also hope other forumites could share there variations so we could have a nice reference thread.
The first one with unusually nice scabbard carvings.

Michael

PS I have cleaned the blade after I took the pictures...

VVV · 28th April 2009, 08:52 AM

The second one is a hybride between the long (Sidin) and short (Bennah) variation.
Also the pin on the grip is unusally long.

Michael

CharlesS · 28th April 2009, 01:19 PM

Both magnificent examples VVV. I am drooling.

What is the approximate age of each?

VVV · 28th April 2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

...What is the approximate age of each?

I have no idea on how to estimate the age of a pandat by features and styles.
So by looking on patina and work details my guess is mid to late 19th C (in order).
I have been told from a local source that the Pandat wasn't manufactured after the 1930's.

Michael

migueldiaz · 28th April 2009, 04:21 PM

Hi Michael and Dajak,

Thanks for the pics and the info!

What would be the theory or speculation behind the bifurcated end of the sword? Am very much interested in knowing what the hypotheses are!

Thanks in advance ...

Sajen · 28th April 2009, 04:50 PM

Hello Michael,

great finds. Unfortunately I don't have a Pandat to show!

sajen

Mytribalworld · 9th May 2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VVV

I have no idea on how to estimate the age of a pandat by features and styles.
So by looking on patina and work details my guess is mid to late 19th C (in order).
I have been told from a local source that the Pandat wasn't manufactured after the 1930's.

Michael

Hi Michael,

Nice examples again ! I have a old book that where the writer ( 1865) describes the use of the parang latok, In my opinion close related to the pandat. At first he mentioned that the sword was a Malay influence and was already in disuse for warlike purpose course blades from europe where imported which where cheaper.

Interesting is that he explaines the use ( parang latok) as beiing used at two different ways. The one for small jobs like chopping wood,where they hold the sword in the nick of the blade for a better grip.
The other way is for an very effective blow where you use the blade in his full length and first slash the blade into the wound and then pull the entire length trough the wound which maybe explain why the handle is that simple.
The sword has to be taken between the fingers when pulling trough the wound. I can also imagine that a head can be chopped off with one blow that way.

Your pandat with the holes drilled in it can be very old I think and I see some similarity with designs of the malay Anak Wali ( see spirit of wood) so maybe closer to the source? ( just a guess)

Arjan.

5th April 2006, 08:50 AM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Hi Ben, I have read Ling Roth's book but I think it's very cryptic regarding his description of Dayak swords. Sometimes I suspect that he mixes up names of the swords (Nabur vs Niabor) and a lot seems to come from hearsay. So if Ling Roth is the main source I fully understand why Stone also had problems with classifying some weapons. Another example is his description of the Dukn. A van Zonneveld obviously chooses only to quote it in his excellent book, maybe because it's hard to figure out what it really is? My guess (!) is that it's the Iban Pedang that resembles the Batak Piso Podang. Enclosed is a page from Ling Roth on the Parang Pandit (I think?). If that's the page then he attributes it to the Hill tribes instead of the Sea Dayaks. I also have enclosed a nice illustration from the same book of a Pandat that resembles yours. Also note that Ling Roth attributes the Kampilan in the same illustration to the Lanun tribe. This thread more and more looks like a discussion only between us so unless somebody else would like to participate maybe we should continue it off forum? And I am sure that we all would like to see the 1820 bring back sword. Michael PS RhysMichael, Charles Buttin's Catalogue is a catalogue of his collection. I don't have it with me at the moment but I think there is only one plate in it of Indonesian weapons. I find the D Buttin site very well researched and you can find a separate reference list on the site with several good books and articles. Attached Images

28th April 2009, 08:47 AM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Pandat 3 I am reviving this old thread to share two pandat I have acquired since then. I also hope other forumites could share there variations so we could have a nice reference thread. The first one with unusually nice scabbard carvings. Michael PS I have cleaned the blade after I took the pictures... Attached Images

28th April 2009, 08:52 AM	#4
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Pandat 4 The second one is a hybride between the long (Sidin) and short (Bennah) variation. Also the pin on the grip is unusally long. Michael Attached Images Last edited by VVV; 28th April 2009 at 09:03 AM.

5th April 2006, 08:42 PM	#2
Dajak Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 951	I show you the sword when you visit me other wise I have nothing news for you to see.

28th April 2009, 01:19 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Both magnificent examples VVV. I am drooling. What is the approximate age of each?

28th April 2009, 04:21 PM	#7
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	Hi Michael and Dajak, Thanks for the pics and the info! What would be the theory or speculation behind the bifurcated end of the sword? Am very much interested in knowing what the hypotheses are! Thanks in advance ...

28th April 2009, 04:50 PM	#8
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Hello Michael, great finds. Unfortunately I don't have a Pandat to show! sajen