A heavy chopper from Flores, parang Bajawa

Sajen · Yesterday, 02:24 PM

I just received this recent heavy chopper from Flores, Karel Sirag described it in his new publication in the second volume on page 702 as Parang Bajawa because these swords are common around the town Bajawa.
It's recent, I guess from the second half of the 20th century but very well made, for use, it's clearly not a tourist item.
58 cm long inside the scabbard, 56,3 cm without, 9 mm thick at the spine behind the handle.
It's the second example I've seen in all the years I am collecting, so it seems quite rare. When other members own such a sword please post it here for comparison.

Ian · Today, 03:56 AM

Detlef, thanks for showing this chopper. I had an example many years ago and thought it was a common tool from somewhere in Indonesia. Have not seen another since until you posted these pictures. Unfortunately, I recycled it into the market more than 20 years ago and no longer have any pictures.

This blade style is actually favored by those who engage in knife competitions such as seen on TV, with cutting through wooden boxes, chopping through ice blocks, slicing chickens in half with one blow, etc. I imagine your example would be an excellent cutter of many materials. My guess is that this knife was designed mainly for general purpose, work-related chores and could double as a weapon if needed.

Nice example.

Regards, Ian.

Yesterday, 02:24 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,473	A heavy chopper from Flores, parang Bajawa I just received this recent heavy chopper from Flores, Karel Sirag described it in his new publication in the second volume on page 702 as Parang Bajawa because these swords are common around the town Bajawa. It's recent, I guess from the second half of the 20th century but very well made, for use, it's clearly not a tourist item. 58 cm long inside the scabbard, 56,3 cm without, 9 mm thick at the spine behind the handle. It's the second example I've seen in all the years I am collecting, so it seems quite rare. When other members own such a sword please post it here for comparison. Attached Images

Today, 03:56 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,601	Detlef, thanks for showing this chopper. I had an example many years ago and thought it was a common tool from somewhere in Indonesia. Have not seen another since until you posted these pictures. Unfortunately, I recycled it into the market more than 20 years ago and no longer have any pictures. This blade style is actually favored by those who engage in knife competitions such as seen on TV, with cutting through wooden boxes, chopping through ice blocks, slicing chickens in half with one blow, etc. I imagine your example would be an excellent cutter of many materials. My guess is that this knife was designed mainly for general purpose, work-related chores and could double as a weapon if needed. Nice example. Regards, Ian.