Curious Moro blade

Ian · 17th April 2006, 04:10 AM

Michael:

I agree. The Sumbawa examples in van Zonnefeld's book do have different blades. But scanning his book, I cannot find an example of a similar blade attributed elsewhere, yet I have seen several of these same blade styles attributed to "Indonesia" over the years that I've collected blades from SE Asia. Never traced down a more precise geographic origin until this one.

The "Sumbawa" attribution came from the seller who seems to know a bit about SE Asia. As you say, the hilt and scabbard resemble Sumbawa work, but the blade could have been made elsewhere in Indonesia -- perhaps Sumba or even Lombok. The quality of forging of the blade is very good, but the finish is rough and shows grind marks. Above average "village" quality, I would say, so not likely to have come far from Sumbawa.

Ian.

17th April 2006, 04:10 AM	#27
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Michael: I agree. The Sumbawa examples in van Zonnefeld's book do have different blades. But scanning his book, I cannot find an example of a similar blade attributed elsewhere, yet I have seen several of these same blade styles attributed to "Indonesia" over the years that I've collected blades from SE Asia. Never traced down a more precise geographic origin until this one. The "Sumbawa" attribution came from the seller who seems to know a bit about SE Asia. As you say, the hilt and scabbard resemble Sumbawa work, but the blade could have been made elsewhere in Indonesia -- perhaps Sumba or even Lombok. The quality of forging of the blade is very good, but the finish is rough and shows grind marks. Above average "village" quality, I would say, so not likely to have come far from Sumbawa. Ian.