Balatos -- swords with balls

Bill M · 8th September 2006, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Should you really be modifying this sword Bill ?
I'd advise against it myself .

This brings up the eternal question ; when to 'restore' and just what exactly is 'restoration' ?

In any other facet of the world of antiques you would be lowering or destroying the value of this piece .

I'd advise against 'enhancing' the ball; it goes against the purity of the piece.

Hi Rick,

The eternal dilemma. Restore? Leave alone in the "as found state?"

I try to find out about the culture and how the orignial owners cared for their pieces. Recently I read that the Moro did not keep their battle blades bright because reflections might give away their positions. They did keep them clean and ALWAYS sharp!

To have an old scabbard and/or hilt is a sign of neglect and disrespect to a Javanese keris.

I have a silver sword, a "temple," "Newar" or "Nair." This was used by the Theyyam of Kerala / Malabar (india) in trance rituals to gods and goddesses. The swords and other accoutrements were kept in high polish. Not to do so would be to disprespect the goddess and you REALLY don't want to do that!

So I am cleaning away the patina/neglect to bring it back to its pristine condition. I do admit that this hurt me at first, then it seemed that the sword breathed a sigh of relief and enjoyment at being clean again.

I used to believe in the "Golden Rule." But now I am working on the "Platinum Rule:" Do unto others as they would be done unto."

As long as I can follow the practices other cultures used to respect their pieces, I will do my best -- within reason -- I am NOT feeding my panabases weekly blood. That is going further than I can handle.

So, to add teeth or not? I'll need to spend some meditation time with the new balato. WWND? What would Nias Do?

VANDOO · 8th September 2006, 05:30 AM

VERY NICE SWORDS BILL!!
IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE NOT TOO MANY BOARS TUSKS MISSING PERHAPS JUST PUTTING THOSE THAT ARE THERE BACK IN PLACE AND PERHAPS TIGHTENING THEM DOWN A BIT MIGHT COME CLOSE TO FIXING IT. IT LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE OPENED IT UP TO TAKE OUT THE MEDICINE PACKET IN THE CENTER BEFORE SELLING IT. WHAT SORT OF RELIGION OR BELIEFS DO THEY HAVE ON NIAS IT CAN'T BE ISLAM AS IT WOULD SURLY FORBID HAVEING ANYTHING TO DO WITH PIGS.

Bill M · 8th September 2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VANDOO

VERY NICE SWORDS BILL!!
IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE NOT TOO MANY BOARS TUSKS MISSING PERHAPS JUST PUTTING THOSE THAT ARE THERE BACK IN PLACE AND PERHAPS TIGHTENING THEM DOWN A BIT MIGHT COME CLOSE TO FIXING IT. IT LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE OPENED IT UP TO TAKE OUT THE MEDICINE PACKET IN THE CENTER BEFORE SELLING IT. WHAT SORT OF RELIGION OR BELIEFS DO THEY HAVE ON NIAS IT CAN'T BE ISLAM AS IT WOULD SURLY FORBID HAVEING ANYTHING TO DO WITH PIGS.

Indonesian Islamic religion is very different from the middle east, especially Iraq and Iran. It is a thin veneer over the old animistic culture.

Islam is practiced and its laws enforced very differently in different cultures. The middle east version seems the most restrictive and severe,but, as is usual with religion, each culture feels its version is the correct one.

Can you imagine the Javanese with their emphasis on magic, offerings to various entities, existing in Iraq?

katana · 8th September 2006, 02:10 PM

What a fantastic collection......I think the talisman additions to ethnographic weapons of many cultures is truly facinating.
I wonder whether talisman from your defeated foe would be 'transfered' to the 'victor's' weapon..... to gain his 'magic' ?

utami · 21st September 2006, 05:49 AM

Balatos is my favourite indonesia weapon, so pretty and yet so sharp

well bill, you have a treasure and valuable collection.

to vandoo and other, most nias is cristian. the first missionarist in nias around 1860, and in 1890 more than 700 family became cristian. and now days some people in nias is cristian and some other is islam.

i've been searching for balato maker, since last year but can't found one

David · 21st September 2006, 06:30 PM

Wow, beautiful sword! I especially love the intricately carved hilt on this one.

If it were me Bill, i would take Barry's advice, restore what's there, but don't add to it.
Great photo. I really dig those crazy battle vests they wear.

Dajak · 21st September 2006, 07:16 PM

Hi they look nice but how old you think these are

8th September 2006, 05:30 AM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	VERY NICE SWORDS BILL!! IT LOOKS LIKE THERE ARE NOT TOO MANY BOARS TUSKS MISSING PERHAPS JUST PUTTING THOSE THAT ARE THERE BACK IN PLACE AND PERHAPS TIGHTENING THEM DOWN A BIT MIGHT COME CLOSE TO FIXING IT. IT LOOKS LIKE SOMEONE OPENED IT UP TO TAKE OUT THE MEDICINE PACKET IN THE CENTER BEFORE SELLING IT. WHAT SORT OF RELIGION OR BELIEFS DO THEY HAVE ON NIAS IT CAN'T BE ISLAM AS IT WOULD SURLY FORBID HAVEING ANYTHING TO DO WITH PIGS.

8th September 2006, 02:10 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	What a fantastic collection......I think the talisman additions to ethnographic weapons of many cultures is truly facinating. I wonder whether talisman from your defeated foe would be 'transfered' to the 'victor's' weapon..... to gain his 'magic' ?

21st September 2006, 05:49 AM	#5
utami Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Java, Indonesia Posts: 49	Balatos is my favourite indonesia weapon, so pretty and yet so sharp well bill, you have a treasure and valuable collection. to vandoo and other, most nias is cristian. the first missionarist in nias around 1860, and in 1890 more than 700 family became cristian. and now days some people in nias is cristian and some other is islam. i've been searching for balato maker, since last year but can't found one

21st September 2006, 06:30 PM	#6
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,218	Wow, beautiful sword! I especially love the intricately carved hilt on this one. If it were me Bill, i would take Barry's advice, restore what's there, but don't add to it. Great photo. I really dig those crazy battle vests they wear.

21st September 2006, 07:16 PM	#7
Dajak Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 951	Hi they look nice but how old you think these are