Stock No..
s887

A fine a rare Timor sword
Rugi, Alor archipelago
horn hilt, whale bone panels
An exceptional blade

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A fine and rare fighting sword from the Timor Island regions.

Excluding the hair seen on the hilt, the overall length of this sword is 73cms. The blade length is 55cms.
The hilt is carved horn that shows a nice deep gloss age patina to the grip. The hilt retains bone panels, likely whale bone. The lower two panels are decorated in circle motifs.
The hair retained in the pommel is old and brittle but the timber dowel holding the hair in place appears to be newer than the hilt.
The blade is an exceptional type with forging patterns similar to that seen in the Sulawesi regions, perhaps found through trade or war.
The vine like pattern surfaces throughout the blade faces is a remarkable example of the craftsmanship seen throughout these regions.
The blade appears to be held in place by two timber wedges with friction holding it in place, similar to that of a Keris blade and hilt.

A very rare sword type with a very fine blade likely reserved for someone of status.