Tumbok Lada classification

VVV · 2nd November 2006, 05:27 PM

Hi all,

I have just uploaded my Tumbok Lada collection at Kampungnet.
The two Gayo versions are obvious but do you recognise where the other variations come from?

Michael

Detail pictures at http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

Rick · 3rd November 2006, 12:54 AM

I wish someone had more information to offer on this weapon form; I have a very odd example which I'm not even positive is a Tumbak Lada.

VVV · 3rd November 2006, 09:19 AM

Rick,

I think your knife is made in the Palembang area, mid 20th C.
It resembles in style and material a knife I traded to CharlesS about 1 1/2 years ago (don't know if he still has it to show?).
I still regret that I let it go.

Michael

Lew · 3rd November 2006, 05:19 PM

What is the difference between tumbak lada and a sewar?

Lew

Bill M · 3rd November 2006, 09:52 PM

As I understand it a Tumok Lada has a distinctive squared off handle.

The name tumbok meaning "pepper" and "lada" meaning grinder. Here are some pictures of my little "Pepper Grinder."

Rick · 4th November 2006, 12:28 AM

I'm not so sure Bill; Lew's example doesn't have a squared off handle .

drdavid · 8th November 2006, 07:14 AM

Very interesting thread, can someone explain when a Tumbok Lada becomes a Golok or is Golok a more generic term. Where would this piece fit?
Cheers
DrD

VVV · 8th November 2006, 04:54 PM

Drdavid,

A Golok is larger than a knife like Tumbok Lada (Pisau Tumbok Lada) or a Sewar.
How big is your knife?

I have now updated at Kampungnet with a couple of related Sumatran blades:

Sewar

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

Sekin

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php

and various Sumatran knives and daggers

http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...bum.php&page=1

Michael

drdavid · 10th November 2006, 10:49 PM

Hi Michael, you show some beautiful pieces here, and the collection on Kampung net is outstanding.
The blade length on my piece is 30cms (12"), and the hilt is 12cms.
DrD

VVV · 12th November 2006, 08:29 PM

Hi Drdavid,

I think it's hard to say what your blade is?
It has the lenght of a small Golok but I would hesitate to call it that because of the blade's shape?
Goloks, as I understand it, are made primarily for cutting and yours looks like it's made primarily for thrusting.

Another example is this blade.
It's 54 cm overall with a blade of 40 cm that could be used both for cutting and thrusting. Feels primarily like a slashing blade.
I haven't found out yet what it is?
Maybe a Golok Rembau (see Hill and van Z)?

Michael

drdavid · 20th November 2006, 09:36 AM

Hi Michael
you are correct mine does not have the feel or look of a slashing weapon, but as a stabbing one it would be effective. Van Zonneveld's description of a Golok Rembau sounds pretty good, a bit bigger than a Tumbok Lada but similar shape. Thanks for your help.
cheers
David

2nd November 2006, 05:27 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Tumbok Lada classification Hi all, I have just uploaded my Tumbok Lada collection at Kampungnet. The two Gayo versions are obvious but do you recognise where the other variations come from? Michael Detail pictures at http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php Attached Images

3rd November 2006, 12:54 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,263	I wish someone had more information to offer on this weapon form; I have a very odd example which I'm not even positive is a Tumbak Lada. Attached Images

3rd November 2006, 05:19 PM	#4
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	What is the difference between tumbak lada and a sewar? Lew Attached Images

3rd November 2006, 09:52 PM	#5
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	As I understand it a Tumok Lada has a distinctive squared off handle. The name tumbok meaning "pepper" and "lada" meaning grinder. Here are some pictures of my little "Pepper Grinder." Attached Images

8th November 2006, 07:14 AM	#7
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 369	Very interesting thread, can someone explain when a Tumbok Lada becomes a Golok or is Golok a more generic term. Where would this piece fit? Cheers DrD Attached Images

3rd November 2006, 09:19 AM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Rick, I think your knife is made in the Palembang area, mid 20th C. It resembles in style and material a knife I traded to CharlesS about 1 1/2 years ago (don't know if he still has it to show?). I still regret that I let it go. Michael

4th November 2006, 12:28 AM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,263	I'm not so sure Bill; Lew's example doesn't have a squared off handle .

8th November 2006, 04:54 PM	#8
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Drdavid, A Golok is larger than a knife like Tumbok Lada (Pisau Tumbok Lada) or a Sewar. How big is your knife? I have now updated at Kampungnet with a couple of related Sumatran blades: Sewar http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php Sekin http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...view_album.php and various Sumatran knives and daggers http://www.kampungnet.com.sg/modules...bum.php&page=1 Michael Attached Images Last edited by VVV; 8th November 2006 at 05:07 PM. Reason: spelling

10th November 2006, 10:49 PM	#9
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 369	Hi Michael, you show some beautiful pieces here, and the collection on Kampung net is outstanding. The blade length on my piece is 30cms (12"), and the hilt is 12cms. DrD

12th November 2006, 08:29 PM	#10
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Hi Drdavid, I think it's hard to say what your blade is? It has the lenght of a small Golok but I would hesitate to call it that because of the blade's shape? Goloks, as I understand it, are made primarily for cutting and yours looks like it's made primarily for thrusting. Another example is this blade. It's 54 cm overall with a blade of 40 cm that could be used both for cutting and thrusting. Feels primarily like a slashing blade. I haven't found out yet what it is? Maybe a Golok Rembau (see Hill and van Z)? Michael Attached Images Last edited by VVV; 12th November 2006 at 08:43 PM.

20th November 2006, 09:36 AM	#11
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 369	Hi Michael you are correct mine does not have the feel or look of a slashing weapon, but as a stabbing one it would be effective. Van Zonneveld's description of a Golok Rembau sounds pretty good, a bit bigger than a Tumbok Lada but similar shape. Thanks for your help. cheers David