West Sumba knife

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Jeff,

Yes, it's a Sumba knife, nice one but not very old. But it isn't a typical West Sumba knife, frankly said I never have seen a West Sumba knife.
The swords from West Sumba have a very specific appearance, see this thread:http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=sumba, see #7.

Regards,
Detlef

I see, I was following the sellers description (always risky). The description also calls this a WWII take home. Do you think it is from after mid 20 C?

[Sajen]

Hello Jeff,

The time frame the seller stated could be correct, the horn ferrule is today not very common anymore.

Regards,
Detlef

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Jeff,

The time frame the seller stated could be correct, the horn ferrule is today not very common anymore.

Regards,
Detlef

id say its still very much the standard in sumba, other islands maybe not so. but in sumba its quite typical on any weapon, some ruder goloks than sell for 2 or 3$ maybe now they are steel pipe, but generally the parangs are still considered da primary item of defence/offence there and are used to sacrefice water buffalo aswell, here you can see horn furrels still used. these swords arnt costly but regular parangs https://youtu.be/kbW-T-l0fKA

[Sajen]

You may be correct but I've seen some apparently vintage blades without this horn ferrule.

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by Sajen

You may be correct but I've seen some apparently vintage blades without this horn ferrule.

oh for sure i dont think theres any definate rule, i think its just a preference, but most are horn.. any.. most old ones will not have a metal furrel but also most new ones wont either.
they do sure make it clear there they prefer the horn for asthetic and cultural reasons.. but generally the type of parang with a horse rider on the handle have more oftern a metal furrel than the other "tusk" shaped handled blades