A Very Hefty Parang Lotok

CharlesS · 3rd June 2010, 09:12 PM

This is the most heavy parang lotok I have ever handled....to the point of being downright uncomfortable to weld. It is a beautiful example with nice, crisp lines. The hilt is horn with a decorated silver sleeve. The fact that the forte is nearly a full inch thick speaks volumes regarding its heft!!

Royston · 6th June 2010, 07:50 PM

Charles,

This is very nice.

I am most upset that you find it uncomfortable to handle. To alleviate the discomfort I suggest you send it straight to me

Regards

Roy

Maurice · 6th June 2010, 08:40 PM

A wonderfull piece!

I like thick blades, cause they will do their duty for what they are made for.
I also like the beautifull silverwork and scabbard.

Maurice

Battara · 7th June 2010, 01:20 AM

Is this the one you got at Timonium?

Yes I too love the silver work.

Lew · 7th June 2010, 11:25 AM

Charles

Were these combat weapons or just used for removing heads? They seem a bit awkward to use?

Lew

CharlesS · 7th June 2010, 02:41 PM

Yes Battara, it's the one from Timonium.

Lew, my impression from Stone(though I do not have a copy with me at the moment) is that these are as much utilitarian as exclusively weapons.

I don't think I have ever seen an old photo with a Dayak carring either one of these or a parang pandit....would love to see them in some old photos.

Royston · 7th June 2010, 05:27 PM

Charles

Shelford claims that these were largely for agricultural use.
This one must have been for a very rich farmer!

I have never seen one been carried or used in any of the old photos either.

Regards
Roy

asomotif · 7th June 2010, 10:42 PM

Here is a picture from Mjoeberg / Borneo that I just sold on the swap.
The 2nd from the left is carrying a parang latok imho.

Also intersting the 2 guys on the right are carying very rare betelnut/sirih knifes.

CharlesS · 9th June 2010, 02:06 PM

A great pic...the first I have seen that even suggested a latok or pandit type.

VVV · 9th June 2010, 04:34 PM

Your latok is probably Melanau, not Land dayak, based on the blade thickness, silver, motifs etc.
Here is another picture with what looks more like a buko.

Michael

PS I don't understand why the picture gets turned when I upload it?

Sajen · 9th June 2010, 06:17 PM

Hope it works!

3rd June 2010, 09:12 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Very Hefty Parang Lotok This is the most heavy parang lotok I have ever handled....to the point of being downright uncomfortable to weld. It is a beautiful example with nice, crisp lines. The hilt is horn with a decorated silver sleeve. The fact that the forte is nearly a full inch thick speaks volumes regarding its heft!! Attached Images

7th June 2010, 10:42 PM	#8
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,221	Here is a picture from Mjoeberg / Borneo that I just sold on the swap. The 2nd from the left is carrying a parang latok imho. Also intersting the 2 guys on the right are carying very rare betelnut/sirih knifes. Attached Images Last edited by asomotif; 8th June 2010 at 12:16 PM.

9th June 2010, 04:34 PM	#10
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Your latok is probably Melanau, not Land dayak, based on the blade thickness, silver, motifs etc. Here is another picture with what looks more like a buko. Michael PS I don't understand why the picture gets turned when I upload it? Attached Images

9th June 2010, 06:17 PM	#11
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,468	Hope it works! Attached Images

6th June 2010, 07:50 PM	#2
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 441	Charles, This is very nice. I am most upset that you find it uncomfortable to handle. To alleviate the discomfort I suggest you send it straight to me Regards Roy

6th June 2010, 08:40 PM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,324	A wonderfull piece! I like thick blades, cause they will do their duty for what they are made for. I also like the beautifull silverwork and scabbard. Maurice

7th June 2010, 01:20 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Is this the one you got at Timonium? Yes I too love the silver work.

7th June 2010, 11:25 AM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Charles Were these combat weapons or just used for removing heads? They seem a bit awkward to use? Lew

7th June 2010, 02:41 PM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Yes Battara, it's the one from Timonium. Lew, my impression from Stone(though I do not have a copy with me at the moment) is that these are as much utilitarian as exclusively weapons. I don't think I have ever seen an old photo with a Dayak carring either one of these or a parang pandit....would love to see them in some old photos.

7th June 2010, 05:27 PM	#7
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 441	Charles Shelford claims that these were largely for agricultural use. This one must have been for a very rich farmer! I have never seen one been carried or used in any of the old photos either. Regards Roy

9th June 2010, 02:06 PM	#9
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A great pic...the first I have seen that even suggested a latok or pandit type.