Silver Malay Badik/Badek Dagger

Silver Encased Badek Dagger

This relatively large badek (also sometimes spelt badik) dagger has a pistol shape, possibly modelled after the early European pistol.

The highly elaborate scabbard and hilt are covered in sheet silver and are particularly well repoussed with traditional Malay motifs such as scrolling vines. The scabbard ends with a prominent widening that also us decorated with vegetal motifs.

The scabbard has a wooden interior.

The sharp, single-edged blade of watered iron.

Badeks were meant for cutting rather than stabbing and are found across the Malay archipelago particularly among Bugis and Bugis-influenced groups.

The silverwork on this example is fine and intricate. There are minor age-related dents here and there and an excellent patina.

UK art market

Asian Civilisations Museum A-Z Guide, 2003.

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, The Message and the Monsoon: Islamic Art of Southeast Asia, IAMM Publications, 2005.