A Fine Parang
A Fine Gobang Bandung
Sundanese
Preanger Regency, Dutch East Indies (Bandung Region, West Java, Indonesia)
Late 19th century (ca. 1870 - 1900)
Steel, horn (water buffalo), coral, wood, silver, ivory (Asian Elephant)
Blade: 46,7cm
Hilt & Blade: 60,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 67cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 439
Ex. Oriental Arms: Haifa, Israel (2024)
A fine sword from the Bandung Region of West Java, traditionally known as the "gobang bandung". The mountainous area was called the Preanger Regency during the Dutch period and is known locally as "Tanah Prijangan" from the local Sundanese culture. It features an elaborately carved mythical hilt. The heavy single- edged steel blade curves upwards slightly. Thick spine with a false edge present for the last 1/4 length of the blade. Both sides of the blade are forged from pamor steel in a laminate pattern. The horn hilt is beautifully carved from bovine horn, possibly in the form of Batara Kala (The God of Death in traditional Javanese and Balinese mythology), inlaid with red coral eyes. The mythical creature closely resembles the form of puppets of wayang theater.
The sheath is two pieces of fine timber held together by six silver bands. The mouth piece is carved from horn while the chape tip is horn and ivory. The top band and belt hanging fixtures are covered in a fine silver sheet repoussé scrollwork. An exceptional sword of finely carved intricate features in excellent condition. Good size and weight as well.