Lulu Celiko (or something else?)

russel · 20th October 2016, 12:05 PM

I recently won this small Sumatran knife on eBay. At first I thought it may have been a Lopah Petawaran but it lacks the parallel back and edge which seem typical of these.

The blade form seems very similar to the Lulu Celiko in Van Zonneveld (p. 84), although the handle curves in the opposite direction to the one illustrated. I have not been able to find any other images of this type of knife, which Van Zonneveld suggests were part of wedding ceremonies.

The scabbard seems VERY similar to that of a Rencong (perhaps it is not original to the knife).

The seller suggests that the handle is copper. I do not have the knife in hand so I am uncertain. If I am VERY lucky it may be Suassa.

There is a faint inscription on the scabbard (ZY50 1911) which may be a museum number and collection date.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on the identification of this knife, it would also be great to see other examples.

Russel

20th October 2016, 12:05 PM	#1
russel Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 236	Lulu Celiko (or something else?) I recently won this small Sumatran knife on eBay. At first I thought it may have been a Lopah Petawaran but it lacks the parallel back and edge which seem typical of these. The blade form seems very similar to the Lulu Celiko in Van Zonneveld (p. 84), although the handle curves in the opposite direction to the one illustrated. I have not been able to find any other images of this type of knife, which Van Zonneveld suggests were part of wedding ceremonies. The scabbard seems VERY similar to that of a Rencong (perhaps it is not original to the knife). The seller suggests that the handle is copper. I do not have the knife in hand so I am uncertain. If I am VERY lucky it may be Suassa. There is a faint inscription on the scabbard (ZY50 1911) which may be a museum number and collection date. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on the identification of this knife, it would also be great to see other examples. Russel Attached Images