Michael Backman Ltd - Home

Pedang Sword with Horn Hilt & Silver Alloy Mounts
Sumatra or Java, Indonesia
19th century

length: 67cm

This pedang sword has a finely damascened iron, slightly curved, single-edged blade. The hilt, of stylised zoomorphic form, is of carved horn. The scabbard is
of rosewood with silver alloy mounts.

Swords such as this were made and worn by Islamic Malay men in the Palembang region of south Sumatra. Similar swords also are found on Java.

This example is in a fine condition consistent with its age. A small hole has been drilled through the lower section of the hilt probably to allow tassels to be
suspended from the hilt in European style.

A
pedang sword of similar form and with a similar zoomorphic hilt which formerly belonged to the Sultan of Palembang is illustrated in Brinkgreve &
Sulistianingsih, 2009, p. 151. A related example also is illustrated in Caravana (2010, p. 193.)

References:
Brinkgreve F, & R. Sulistianingsih (eds),
Sumatra: Crossroads of Cultures, KITLV Press, 2009.
Caravana, J.
et al, Rites of Power: Oriental Weapons: Collection of Jorge Caravana, Caleidoscopio, 2010.

Inventory no.: 1518

This Item is available - Ask about this item

Click here to see more Asian & Islamic swords & daggers.