Sword "balato" with scabbard · Indonesia - Nias · ID: 3051170
sold
EUR 1,800
Provenance
Erwin & Susanne Melchardt, Vienna, AustriaSize
L: 68 cm
L: 26.8 inch
Description
wood, iron, rattan, animal teeth, plant fibres, glass, base
Handle in the shape of the mythical creature “lasara”. On the side of the scabbard, a power bundle “ragö”, which originally served as evidence of the wearer’s hunting prowess. Great men were measured by their war, headhunting, hunting, and even fishing exploits.
Comparing literature
Sibeth, Achim & Bruce W. Carpenter, Nias Sculpture, Mandala Collection, 2013, p. 139 f.