Sewar or not? If not, than wot..?

gp · 1st May 2022, 06:45 PM

I got offered some nice Ottoman bichaqs from Turkey and the Balkans.
Amongst it was a yataghan....according to the seller.
No way a yataghan was my immediate thought; rather Asian and more than likely from Indonesia.
Not being an expert on Indonesian cold arms, I consulted a Tuan who is most knowledgeable and confirmed my thoughts.

It looks like a Sewar from Sumatra ( like the 3rd one by Albert van Zonneveld ) but the size is quite long :

total 70 cm
scabbard 57 cm (wooden part 50 1/2 cm)
hilt made from ivory 14 cm
blade 50 cm and quite heavy

your thoughts and advice please...what is this and how old do you think it to be?

Sajen · 1st May 2022, 08:06 PM

Hi Gunar,

What I recognize is that the fittings look quite younger than the blade which could be a pedang blade!?

A refitted blade from the first quarter of the 19th century? The ivory carving is very nicely done!

Regards,
Detlef

gp · 1st May 2022, 08:54 PM

thnx a lot; yes I see some similarities with the Pedang Lurus which can be found on the internet.
But I couldn't find any with this kind of hilt ( even in horn, bone or wood).
As the Pedang are said to be Malay, Indonesian and southern Thailand (but was the Islamic sultanate of Patani),
all with Islamic background....what would the hilt symbolize or stand for ? A flower ?

Sajen · 1st May 2022, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gp

thnx a lot; yes I see some similarities with the Pedang Lurus which can be found on the internet.

No, not a pedang lurus from Java, I've meant a pedang like pictured but with an other blade shape.

David · 1st May 2022, 09:46 PM

It is unusual dress, but it isn't a sewar.
Pedang is a word which literally means "sword" and we can find a fair variance in weapons that are called "pedang". It may have a more specific name, but i would accept pedang for the time being.
The dress is a form i have not quite seen before. Though possible, i am not convinced by the photos that those parts are ivory. The carving is nice regardless, though as Detlef suggests, a bit later than the blade. Some of the motifs look familiar, but i can't quite place them yet.

kai · 2nd May 2022, 12:29 AM

Hello Gunar,

This piece very likely got crafted in Medan and thereabouts: Late colonial period or even later (pretty much all of 20th century even if I'd guess around WW2). I'm not convinced the blade is any older - certainly a possibility though.

Not a traditional piece but prepared for those who travel (often colonial employees, visitors, etc.). The workmanship is not bad - a far cry from genuine traditional craftsmanship though.

Regards,
Kai

1st May 2022, 06:45 PM	#1
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 662	Sewar or not? If not, than wot..? I got offered some nice Ottoman bichaqs from Turkey and the Balkans. Amongst it was a yataghan....according to the seller. No way a yataghan was my immediate thought; rather Asian and more than likely from Indonesia. Not being an expert on Indonesian cold arms, I consulted a Tuan who is most knowledgeable and confirmed my thoughts. It looks like a Sewar from Sumatra ( like the 3rd one by Albert van Zonneveld ) but the size is quite long : total 70 cm scabbard 57 cm (wooden part 50 1/2 cm) hilt made from ivory 14 cm blade 50 cm and quite heavy your thoughts and advice please...what is this and how old do you think it to be? Attached Images

1st May 2022, 08:06 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,516	Hi Gunar, What I recognize is that the fittings look quite younger than the blade which could be a pedang blade!? A refitted blade from the first quarter of the 19th century? The ivory carving is very nicely done! Regards, Detlef

1st May 2022, 08:54 PM	#3
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 662	thnx a lot; yes I see some similarities with the Pedang Lurus which can be found on the internet. But I couldn't find any with this kind of hilt ( even in horn, bone or wood). As the Pedang are said to be Malay, Indonesian and southern Thailand (but was the Islamic sultanate of Patani), all with Islamic background....what would the hilt symbolize or stand for ? A flower ?

1st May 2022, 09:46 PM	#5
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,034	It is unusual dress, but it isn't a sewar. Pedang is a word which literally means "sword" and we can find a fair variance in weapons that are called "pedang". It may have a more specific name, but i would accept pedang for the time being. The dress is a form i have not quite seen before. Though possible, i am not convinced by the photos that those parts are ivory. The carving is nice regardless, though as Detlef suggests, a bit later than the blade. Some of the motifs look familiar, but i can't quite place them yet.

2nd May 2022, 12:29 AM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,221	Hello Gunar, This piece very likely got crafted in Medan and thereabouts: Late colonial period or even later (pretty much all of 20th century even if I'd guess around WW2). I'm not convinced the blade is any older - certainly a possibility though. Not a traditional piece but prepared for those who travel (often colonial employees, visitors, etc.). The workmanship is not bad - a far cry from genuine traditional craftsmanship though. Regards, Kai