Semarang, the parang from Halmahera

VVV · 24th January 2009, 05:47 PM

Thanks for sharing both your collection and the background of these parang!
I have also collected several choppers from this region, mostly versions of the heavier Pade. According to my current understanding the reason for why they are spread all over the Maluku, as well as parts of North Sulawesi, is that they are ethnic, not "geographical" swords. Very much like the Llanun kampilan.
Here is a tricky one that based on the examples in van Zonneveld maybe comes from Tanimbar?
But somehow I have also suspected that it could be from Halmahera, based on the hilt?
I am curious on yours, and your wife's opinion on this parang?

Michael

24th January 2009, 05:47 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Thanks for sharing both your collection and the background of these parang! I have also collected several choppers from this region, mostly versions of the heavier Pade. According to my current understanding the reason for why they are spread all over the Maluku, as well as parts of North Sulawesi, is that they are ethnic, not "geographical" swords. Very much like the Llanun kampilan. Here is a tricky one that based on the examples in van Zonneveld maybe comes from Tanimbar? But somehow I have also suspected that it could be from Halmahera, based on the hilt? I am curious on yours, and your wife's opinion on this parang? Michael Attached Images