Pedang (Pedang Bengkok)
Pedang (Pedang Bengkok)
Palembang
Palembang, Dutch East Indies (Pelembang, Sumatra, Indonesia)
Last half of the 19th century (ca. 1870 - 1890)
Steel, horn, silver, wood
Blade: 57,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 72,7cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 74,9cm
Collection Date: 2023
Ex: Swords and Antique Weapons: Brisbane, Australia (2023)
A beautifully carved pedang sword from the Indonesian Island of Sumatra, specifically the area of Palembang. The form is defined as Pendang III by Van Zonneveld. The heavy and thick single-edged upcurved blade is hand forged with a hollow groove that spans 3/4 of the blade's length under the spine to near the hatchet point. The blade presents a strong twistcore pamor pattern in entirety on both sides.
The hilt having a silver collar sheet that is extensively decorated in repoussé scrollwork, geometrical cross- hatched patterns, swirling vines, and floral motifs within the central grip. The pommel is a single section of dark buffalo horn finely carved in stylized florals. Minor rubbing to one side.
The sheath in two- pieces of fine timber that is held together by three silver bands. The mouthpiece, carved from horn and with a red laquer, applied on the top side. A fine Sumatran Pedang Benkok sword with a silver hilt and an extensively carved pommel. Complete with its original sheath.
[1] Albert G, Van Zonneveld. “Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago”. Page 102
[2] P. Holstein. “Contribution a’ l”etude des Armes Orientales”. 1931. Vol. 2. Plate XLIX
[3] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As-Bk-15-b
[4] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1972-Q-1368
[5] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/palembang-twist-core-pedang
[6] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item/very-good-pedang-bentok
[7] https://www.mandarinmansion.com/glossary/pedang-bengkok
[8] http://oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=2278
[9] http://vikingsword.com/lew/w0132/w0132.html