An Unusual Dyak / Dayak Sword Type...any ideas?

CharlesS · 18th May 2018, 03:59 PM

I recently acquired the unique and interesting Dyak sword which seems to mimic a parang more than any specific Dyak sword style. The blade and hilt are clearly very old, with the hilt well carved and the blade showing some interesting chiseling, a unique crowit, and short false edge at the tip of the blade.

While the scabbard is nicely carved and made for this sword, it is clearly younger than the rest.

Any ideas about terminology for this type. Have any of you seen something similar? Thanks for any input.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 28.75in.
Blade length 20in.
Widest point of the blade: 1.5in.
Blade thickness at the forte: 5/16in.

Bob A · 18th May 2018, 05:45 PM

Jimpul?

CharlesS · 18th May 2018, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob A

Jimpul?

Thanks for the input, Bob, but I believe a jimpul has a greater curve, and technically, doesn't have a stabbing "point/tip", only a cutting/hacking edge.

Amuk Murugul · 18th May 2018, 09:38 PM

Hullo Charles,

Nice piece!
I believe I may know the previous owner in Sarawak. Your piece looks identical to his, except his was missing the 3rd rotan binding (nearest the throat) and the middle binding was new. Also, his was uncleaned. He called his piece JIMPUL, early 20thC.
So, it looks like it may be down to a name-game.
Bottom line: It depends on faith, whether you follow the mainstream or a different school.
To me, it would be a JUMPUL; but then, I have other 'similar name' blade types: viz. JAMBUL, JEMPUL, and JIMPUL.

Best,

18th May 2018, 03:59 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	An Unusual Dyak / Dayak Sword Type...any ideas? I recently acquired the unique and interesting Dyak sword which seems to mimic a parang more than any specific Dyak sword style. The blade and hilt are clearly very old, with the hilt well carved and the blade showing some interesting chiseling, a unique crowit, and short false edge at the tip of the blade. While the scabbard is nicely carved and made for this sword, it is clearly younger than the rest. Any ideas about terminology for this type. Have any of you seen something similar? Thanks for any input. Dimensions: Overall length: 28.75in. Blade length 20in. Widest point of the blade: 1.5in. Blade thickness at the forte: 5/16in. Attached Images

18th May 2018, 05:45 PM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 409	Jimpul?

18th May 2018, 09:38 PM	#4
Amuk Murugul Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kaboejoetan Galoenggoeng Mélben Posts: 457	Hullo Charles, Nice piece! I believe I may know the previous owner in Sarawak. Your piece looks identical to his, except his was missing the 3rd rotan binding (nearest the throat) and the middle binding was new. Also, his was uncleaned. He called his piece JIMPUL, early 20thC. So, it looks like it may be down to a name-game. Bottom line: It depends on faith, whether you follow the mainstream or a different school. To me, it would be a JUMPUL; but then, I have other 'similar name' blade types: viz. JAMBUL, JEMPUL, and JIMPUL. Best,