Malay parang ID please

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

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.

Hello Kai,

Yes, I refer to the two pieces in up.

Please compare with a Thai enep from my collection. I really think that this is Thai work on both pieces.

Regards,
Detlef