A Batak sewar for sharing and discussion

Sajen · 30th May 2021, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobT

If I am not mistaken, you provided a photo of a page from The Batak by A Sibeth. Does the the book identify the leftmost dagger (the one with the curved blade and brass sheath)? If so, could you please give me the name, area of origin, ethnic group affiliation, etc? I have three of these blades and have been trying for a while to get concrete information about them.

Hello Rob,

It's good to read on the picture, "far left: insignia of a Karo Batak pengulu which comes from Aceh; length: c. 35 cm

Frankly said, I doubt this description.

Looks North African to me.

Regards,
Detlef

RobT · 31st May 2021, 12:46 AM

Detlif,

I also always thought that these blades came from North Africa and have been given information attributing them to the Eritrean region. Googling pengulu yields a definition of "a leader of a colonial-style village or tribe, in some islands of Indonesia" and also an alternate spelling (penghulu). I rather doubt the dagger in question has anything to do with the Karo Batak.

Sincerely,
RobT

31st May 2021, 12:46 AM	#2
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 536	I Agree with You Detlif, I also always thought that these blades came from North Africa and have been given information attributing them to the Eritrean region. Googling pengulu yields a definition of "a leader of a colonial-style village or tribe, in some islands of Indonesia" and also an alternate spelling (penghulu). I rather doubt the dagger in question has anything to do with the Karo Batak. Sincerely, RobT