Malay Sewar
Malay Sewar Dagger with Horn & Silver Mounts
Malay Peninsula or Sumatra
19th century
length: 32.5cm, weight: 244g
This dagger, known locally as a sewar, comprises a single-edged damascened iron blade, a horn handguard and hilt, and a wooden scabbard encased in chased silver.
The silver scabbard is decorated with bands of typically Malay vegetal scrolling, along with a fish scale (
kulit ikan).
The form of the sewar is of Indian origin and is designed to slip into a waist band.
The
sewar is in fine condition with small losses to the edge of the silver on the scabbard and minor cracking to the horn on the hilt.
References
Van Zonneveld, A., Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 3554
SOLD
The gold foil sheet is visible beneath the beads, as shown in this image.