Philippine Sword?

Athanase · 13th June 2021, 05:57 PM

Yes, it's a Javanese Pedang Lurus.

Jim McDougall · 13th June 2021, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athanase

Yes, it's a Javanese Pedang Lurus.

Thank you, now I know what it is.

Ian · 15th June 2021, 07:19 AM

Hi Jim,

What a nice piece and the face strikes me as very unusual on a pedang lurus. Such a clear representation of a human face on the hilt and scabbard seems antithetical to Muslim tradition, where abstract features are much more common. Perhaps this tradition applies more to keris than other Indonesian weapons, although Moro weapons use only abstract decorations of living creatures.

One possibility may be that your sword was designed for a foreigner.

I'm afraid I don't know the significance of a face on your sword and scabbard. Alan Maisey, Kai, Detlef, and others who have a better understanding of Indonesian weapons may have a clearer idea.

Sorry I can't be more specific.

Regards,

Ian.

Jim McDougall · 15th June 2021, 09:14 PM

[QUOTE=Ian;263576]Hi Jim,

What a nice piece and the face strikes me as very unusual on a pedang lurus. Such a clear representation of a human face on the hilt and scabbard seems antithetical to Muslim tradition, where abstract features are much more common. Perhaps this tradition applies more to keris than other Indonesian weapons, although Moro weapons use only abstract decorations of living creatures.

One possibility may be that your sword was designed for a foreigner.

I'm afraid I don't know the significance of a face on your sword and scabbard. Alan Maisey, Kai, Detlef, and others who have a better understanding of Indonesian weapons may have a clearer idea.

Sorry I can't be more specific.

Regards,

Ian.[/QUO

Thank you so much Ian! So I guess this is quite an anomaly as suggested by the absence of response.

Ian · 15th June 2021, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Thank you so much Ian! So I guess this is quite an anomaly as suggested by the absence of response.

Yes. I think it is a bit of a puzzler, Jim.

As i look more closely at the face on the pommel, it seems to be European. There is a clear mustache and a small beard, with the cheeks shaved. As such, it qualifies as a "Van Dyck beard." This strengthens my belief that the piece was made for a European, perhaps depicted in his likeness. He seems to be a happy chappy.

Kubur · 15th June 2021, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thank you so much Ian! So I guess this is quite an anomaly as suggested by the absence of response.

I don't see any European but an Indian face. Hinduism was also present in Java. The question for me is which god is it?

David R · 15th June 2021, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kubur

I don't see any European but an Indian face. Hinduism was also present in Java. The question for me is which god is it?

Or a lion?

Kubur · 15th June 2021, 10:58 PM

Very much like a lion on the scabbard
or maybe Surya the Indian god of the sun...

15th June 2021, 10:58 PM	#8
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	Very much like a lion on the scabbard or maybe Surya the Indian god of the sun... Attached Images

13th June 2021, 05:57 PM	#1
Athanase Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Paris (France) Posts: 417	Yes, it's a Javanese Pedang Lurus.

15th June 2021, 07:19 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Hi Jim, What a nice piece and the face strikes me as very unusual on a pedang lurus. Such a clear representation of a human face on the hilt and scabbard seems antithetical to Muslim tradition, where abstract features are much more common. Perhaps this tradition applies more to keris than other Indonesian weapons, although Moro weapons use only abstract decorations of living creatures. One possibility may be that your sword was designed for a foreigner. I'm afraid I don't know the significance of a face on your sword and scabbard. Alan Maisey, Kai, Detlef, and others who have a better understanding of Indonesian weapons may have a clearer idea. Sorry I can't be more specific. Regards, Ian.

15th June 2021, 09:14 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	[QUOTE=Ian;263576]Hi Jim, What a nice piece and the face strikes me as very unusual on a pedang lurus. Such a clear representation of a human face on the hilt and scabbard seems antithetical to Muslim tradition, where abstract features are much more common. Perhaps this tradition applies more to keris than other Indonesian weapons, although Moro weapons use only abstract decorations of living creatures. One possibility may be that your sword was designed for a foreigner. I'm afraid I don't know the significance of a face on your sword and scabbard. Alan Maisey, Kai, Detlef, and others who have a better understanding of Indonesian weapons may have a clearer idea. Sorry I can't be more specific. Regards, Ian.[/QUO Thank you so much Ian! So I guess this is quite an anomaly as suggested by the absence of response.