Sumatran Dagger: Lopah Petawaran

Interested Party · 17th October 2021, 05:52 PM

Did this serve the purpose of a fancy utility knife? I.e. chores/chopper/self defense?

Sajen · 17th October 2021, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interested Party

Did this serve the purpose of a fancy utility knife? I.e. chores/chopper/self defense?

These are for ceremonial use, see also post #2 & #8.

Interested Party · 17th October 2021, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

These are for ceremonial use, see also post #2 & #8.

Thank you Sanjen.

I was asking for clarification. I have noticed that many opinions on the forum have evolved in the last 13 years

Battara · 17th October 2021, 08:00 PM

Detlef, I love your new lopah!

kai · 17th October 2021, 09:29 PM

Congrats, Detlef!

You got the typical LP with bolster as well as now the variant type without!

These blades tend to be a bit rough; this may be partly due to their ceremonial use and sometimes due to their age...

Regards,
Kai

kai · 17th October 2021, 09:37 PM

P.S.: Any indication whether the metal extension/tang out of the pommel possibly got bent later rather than originally?

Sajen · 17th October 2021, 10:52 PM

Thank you Jose and Kai.

The extension seems bent originally. And it had once two more chains, this seems to suggest a second hole in the silver end cap. See one picture from the seller.

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 18th October 2021, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

These blades tend to be a bit rough; this may be partly due to their ceremonial use and sometimes due to their age.....

Hello Kai,

I think as well that some in this thread showed examples have a very good age, one reason that nearly all show a lot of wear with missing parts.
But we don't know exactly all the ceremonial fields of application which can harm the blade!? Or do you know more?

Regards,
Detlef

Battara · 19th October 2021, 01:28 AM

I am aware that one use is to place it through the ear of carabao, so blood could be a factor. Another use is to bless newly wed couples with the blade scooping up some wet rice and throwing it on them, rice water possibly being another factor.

17th October 2021, 10:52 PM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Thank you Jose and Kai. The extension seems bent originally. And it had once two more chains, this seems to suggest a second hole in the silver end cap. See one picture from the seller. Regards, Detlef Attached Images

17th October 2021, 05:52 PM	#1
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 492	Did this serve the purpose of a fancy utility knife? I.e. chores/chopper/self defense?

17th October 2021, 08:00 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Detlef, I love your new lopah!

17th October 2021, 09:29 PM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Congrats, Detlef! You got the typical LP with bolster as well as now the variant type without! These blades tend to be a bit rough; this may be partly due to their ceremonial use and sometimes due to their age... Regards, Kai

17th October 2021, 09:37 PM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	P.S.: Any indication whether the metal extension/tang out of the pommel possibly got bent later rather than originally?

19th October 2021, 01:28 AM	#9
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I am aware that one use is to place it through the ear of carabao, so blood could be a factor. Another use is to bless newly wed couples with the blade scooping up some wet rice and throwing it on them, rice water possibly being another factor.