Rare sword of the Timor group

Ian · 5th August 2014, 10:21 PM

This sword finished on eBay today: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121399202351...84.m1423.l2649

It is a typical example of a rare Timorese sword from the islands of Savu and Roti. It bears a striking resemblance to the sword shown in Fig. 590, p. 139 of Albert van Zonneveld’s book, Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Zwartenkot Art Books:Leiden, 2001.

The sword corresponds to a type (e) Timorese sword, and this is what van Zonneveld has to say about these swords:

“As are all hilts of the Timor group, type (e) is made of buffalo horn, but it is here yellowish instead of black. It has a surprisingly short shaft, the lower half of which is quite broad. At the top we find a large, flat almost square part protruding towards the edge and resembling a kind of flag. The edge’s side is incised with two shallow, oblique V-shaped indentations. The square’s sides are, with the exception of the lower side, pierced and provided with tufts of goat hair. The entire hilt is decorated with carvings. In the centre of the sides we see an elevated circle with a protruding central point.

The blades are of local provenance and always straight. The back curves towards the edge.

The scabbard is made of two wooden pieces, tied together with rattan. The binding can continue over the scabbard’s entire length. Its mouth can be very broad, and towards the back somewhat less broadened, or hardly broader than the hilt’s stem. The mouth is always decorated with carving resembling that on the hilt, also with a raised central ‘eye.’ The scabbard has an angled foot, facing towards the edge side. This foot is decorated with carving which always includes a central raised circle.”

Given the wear and tear on the scabbard and hilt, I think this one is probably late 19th Century. Unfortunately the blade has been cleaned recently. I shall try to post more pictures after it arrives.

Ian.

Sajen · 5th August 2014, 11:28 PM

Hello Ian,

what a great score! And a bargain as well.

Nearly can't believe that nobody else have seen it. I don't would worry about the cleaned blade, a good polish and etch will bring out the lamination which is surly present. I am green with envy!!! Congratulations for this great addition to your collection.

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 5th August 2014, 11:35 PM

Thanks Detlef. Yes, I was lucky that nobody else saw this and realized that it was not a Sarawak/Malay piece (as advertised).

Ian.

VANDOO · 6th August 2014, 01:19 AM

CONGRADULATIONS!! A VERY NICE OLDER SWORD DONE UP THE TRADITIONAL WAY WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES AND AT A PRICE THAT WILL GIVE PLEASURE TO ITS CURRENT OWNER OVER THE YEARS WHENEVER HE LOOKS AT IT. ENJOY

Robert · 6th August 2014, 03:08 AM

Very, very nice score Ian. I thought that I had found some great deals on epray, but this is right there with the West Sumba sword I found a few years back. My congratulation to you on this. I cannot wait for the new photos to be posted after it has arrived and you have had a chance to do a little cleaning and preservation work to it.

Sajen · 25th August 2014, 08:08 AM

Any updates Ian?

5th August 2014, 10:21 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,029	Rare sword of the Timor group This sword finished on eBay today: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121399202351...84.m1423.l2649 It is a typical example of a rare Timorese sword from the islands of Savu and Roti. It bears a striking resemblance to the sword shown in Fig. 590, p. 139 of Albert van Zonneveld’s book, Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Zwartenkot Art Books:Leiden, 2001. The sword corresponds to a type (e) Timorese sword, and this is what van Zonneveld has to say about these swords: “As are all hilts of the Timor group, type (e) is made of buffalo horn, but it is here yellowish instead of black. It has a surprisingly short shaft, the lower half of which is quite broad. At the top we find a large, flat almost square part protruding towards the edge and resembling a kind of flag. The edge’s side is incised with two shallow, oblique V-shaped indentations. The square’s sides are, with the exception of the lower side, pierced and provided with tufts of goat hair. The entire hilt is decorated with carvings. In the centre of the sides we see an elevated circle with a protruding central point. The blades are of local provenance and always straight. The back curves towards the edge. The scabbard is made of two wooden pieces, tied together with rattan. The binding can continue over the scabbard’s entire length. Its mouth can be very broad, and towards the back somewhat less broadened, or hardly broader than the hilt’s stem. The mouth is always decorated with carving resembling that on the hilt, also with a raised central ‘eye.’ The scabbard has an angled foot, facing towards the edge side. This foot is decorated with carving which always includes a central raised circle.” Given the wear and tear on the scabbard and hilt, I think this one is probably late 19th Century. Unfortunately the blade has been cleaned recently. I shall try to post more pictures after it arrives. Ian. Attached Images

5th August 2014, 11:35 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,029	Thanks Detlef. Yes, I was lucky that nobody else saw this and realized that it was not a Sarawak/Malay piece (as advertised). Ian. Last edited by Ian; 6th August 2014 at 04:23 AM.

5th August 2014, 11:28 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,487	Hello Ian, what a great score! And a bargain as well. Nearly can't believe that nobody else have seen it. I don't would worry about the cleaned blade, a good polish and etch will bring out the lamination which is surly present. I am green with envy!!! Congratulations for this great addition to your collection. Regards, Detlef

6th August 2014, 01:19 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	CONGRADULATIONS!! A VERY NICE OLDER SWORD DONE UP THE TRADITIONAL WAY WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES AND AT A PRICE THAT WILL GIVE PLEASURE TO ITS CURRENT OWNER OVER THE YEARS WHENEVER HE LOOKS AT IT. ENJOY

6th August 2014, 03:08 AM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Very, very nice score Ian. I thought that I had found some great deals on epray, but this is right there with the West Sumba sword I found a few years back. My congratulation to you on this. I cannot wait for the new photos to be posted after it has arrived and you have had a chance to do a little cleaning and preservation work to it.

25th August 2014, 08:08 AM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,487	Any updates Ian?