Sulawesi knife?

[JeffS]

I see what you mean, the blade profiles are similar, though I'm not sure what features you are describing as cut outs with the kabeala as a differentiater. Could you describe more? The course layering of the blade forging is certainly reminiscent of several of my Sulawesi blades and even though I doubted Toraja origin earlier (noting you had not suggested it), many of they symbols on your scabbard are found on Toraja scabbards and hilts. I've included some examples with similar blade profiles from my collection in case helpful. Of course the top two are penai from Sulawesi and bottom a kabeala from Sumba.They are to scale.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

I see what you mean, the blade profiles are similar, though I'm not sure what features you are describing as cut outs with the kabeala as a differentiater. Could you describe more?

Hello Jeff,

First, let me say that you have shown very nice swords.
Attached are two samples from the "cut outs" by blade and scabbard mouth from a kabeala from my collection. Here you can see more: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=sumba

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

The course layering of the blade forging is certainly reminiscent of several of my Sulawesi blades and even though I doubted Toraja origin earlier (noting you had not suggested it), many of they symbols on your scabbard are found on Toraja scabbards and hilts.

I've been racking my brain all day because I've seen carvings similar to those on the sheath of the knife in question, especially the one on the scabbard mouth and the four-petaled flowers but I can't remember where!
Are you able to show examples of similar carvings?

Regards,
Detlef

[JeffS]

Ah, got it on the notches. These come to mind from my collection first two are from dua lalan handles. Accepting the four lobes are backed by a diamond and have a central circle, I find similarity. Very common motif on dua lalan handles. Also, the interconnected spirals are similar to this other handle, numerous spirql variations exist on dua lalan handles and house/building panels. The last is a bit of a stretch, but the rows of patterns at the throat of your scabbard remind me of some of the stacked variations on penai scabbard feet, my example here is not the best but I think makes the point. However, I understand that these symbols are found across numerous cultural traditions but I do find the assortment reminiscent of a the Toraja stuff. What is missing is the strict geometric orientation with the symbols on your scabbard, the precise relative placement does seem to be a Toraja carving feature while yours seem somewhat haphazard outside of the throat.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Ah, got it on the notches. These come to mind from my collection first two are from dua lalan handles. Accepting the four lobes are backed by a diamond and have a central circle, I find similarity. Very common motif on dua lalan handles. Also, the interconnected spirals are similar to this other handle, numerous spirql variations exist on dua lalan handles and house/building panels. The last is a bit of a stretch, but the rows of patterns at the throat of your scabbard remind me of some of the stacked variations on penai scabbard feet, my example here is not the best but I think makes the point. However, I understand that these symbols are found across numerous cultural traditions but I do find the assortment reminiscent of a the Toraja stuff. What is missing is the strict geometric orientation with the symbols on your scabbard, the precise relative placement does seem to be a Toraja carving feature while yours seem somewhat haphazard outside of the throat.

Thank you Jeff,

After some search by your hint I remember that the four-leaved flower motive is many times found on dua lalan handles, on my own example as well. Thank you for this hint!
I asked also a friend from Sulawesi, living on Bali, he stated just before that the knife in question coming from Sumbawa.

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Sajen

I asked also a friend from Sulawesi, living on Bali, he stated just before that the knife in question coming from Sumbawa.

He stated that Sumbawa scabbards often show an inlay at the marked point such as a coin. But it's rather small with a diameter of 1 cm.

But obviously is there an inlay of some sort missing.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Ah, got it on the notches. These come to mind from my collection first two are from dua lalan handles. Accepting the four lobes are backed by a diamond and have a central circle, I find similarity. Very common motif on dua lalan handles. Also, the interconnected spirals are similar to this other handle, numerous spirql variations exist on dua lalan handles and house/building panels. The last is a bit of a stretch, but the rows of patterns at the throat of your scabbard remind me of some of the stacked variations on penai scabbard feet, my example here is not the best but I think makes the point. However, I understand that these symbols are found across numerous cultural traditions but I do find the assortment reminiscent of a the Toraja stuff. What is missing is the strict geometric orientation with the symbols on your scabbard, the precise relative placement does seem to be a Toraja carving feature while yours seem somewhat haphazard outside of the throat.

Yes, you are correct, the flower is very similar.