Klewang Alor - orang Alor (Flores) - Indonesia

02
days
21
hours
07
minutes
03
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Alexandra Xu
Expert
Estimate  € 430 - € 480
15 other people are watching this object
NL
€1

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 134841 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Description from the seller

A beautiful and rare knife which I obtained from a travelling salesman who is a "orang" Alor (Flores). He told me that this sword was from his grandfather. This sword has a wooden hilt with no ferrule and the goat hairs on top are missing. He is coming from the South of Alor, situated North of the island Timor from the village Musap

The blade is mono steal so I think that the sword is pre 19th century. The original handle and sheath have a nice patination. The decoration on the handle is traditional and has a beautiful presence and quite similar with others I have found as reference. The carving on the picture is, compared with the ones I am familiar with, more refined and mystical.

Most of the blades found on Alor or the surrounding islands came there by trade. The bunch of these blades, and especially the more older ones, were made on Solor and traded everywhere (a.o. by the VOC). That is why you find on these islands always so many swords with blades in the same shape. The blades of the swords within the region are made by Muslims so the inscriptions / engravings on the blade (see last photo for details) are likely a Muslim motive, the symbol of the Paradise Rivers flowing into the four cardinal directions. It appears often in the Muslim world on objects of utility.

The scabbard, also looks very traditional the mouthpiece on the picture is broader than its height: rectangular. The foot is traditionally in the shape of something that looks somewhat like a 'fat comma' projecting to the edgeside.

These swords are represented in collections (private as well as musea). Quite a few seem to be in "tribal art" collections and also most weapon collectors will only have one example of this type sword from the island of Alor. IoW a very rare piece but at the same time well preserved and beautiful decorated.

The following specs:

Blade length : 36cm
Handle length: 18cm
Weight: 457 grams
Sheath length: 50cm
Total length: 68cm

A true beautiful piece of a rare Alor Klewang with no restorations / repairs and fully original which is slightly worn but an interesting blade. The blade has traces of wear and the hilt and blade decorations are of high quality.

• The items will be carefully packaged and shipped within 1 working day with PostNL (including track & trace information)
• Tracking will be updated on your Catawiki account once your package has been delivered. Check this regularly to prevent your package from being returned.
• If a package is returned, the buyer is responsible for the shipping costs of the 2nd shipment.
• Photos are part of the description and remain the property of Booker Trading.
• The lot can be picked up by appointment in Zandvoort
• If you have any questions about your package, please contact us via Catawiki's messaging service. We always respond quickly
• Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
• We do not mark merchandise values below auction value or mark items as 'gifts'. International government
regulations prohibit such behavior.
• Please note that the images in our auctions are of the actual product and are NOT stock photos. All our photos are professionally taken in our studio.
• We do not ship to Singapore

Seller's Story

Booker Trading combines contemporary design with sustainable materials to provide quality products for in and around your home or business. The wood we use is always FSC certified and always reclaimed, reused or sustainably planted. Our website features handcrafted furniture, lighting, decorative items and umbrellas from suppliers who share our vision and passion for unique and functional designs. Booker Trading is a specialized company in organically modern and ecologically responsible designs and products. Furthermore, we are a small company that has spontaneously grown into one of the most famous suppliers of unique items and designs from recycled materials. Booker Trading's products unite organic shapes, industrial and modern design to merge in a functional design with inspiring elements that appeal to the imagination. Booker Trading prides itself on its commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility and fair trade with our suppliers. Founded in the year 2010 with sales through online webshop and went offline in 2016 with our workshop and showroom in Zandvoort. Partly due to our expertise and local purchasing agents, BookerTrading is unique. We know how to realize the range wishes of our dealers and customers in a professional manner. Our products are made from recycled, reclaimed or otherwise up-cycled wood, in this way we reinvest in our products. Our range consists of functional furniture and decorative items made from old fishing boats, centuries-old houses, fallen trees from rivers and coffee trees replaced by local farmers. Booker Trading supplies to private individuals, companies and retailers.
Translated by Google Translate

A beautiful and rare knife which I obtained from a travelling salesman who is a "orang" Alor (Flores). He told me that this sword was from his grandfather. This sword has a wooden hilt with no ferrule and the goat hairs on top are missing. He is coming from the South of Alor, situated North of the island Timor from the village Musap

The blade is mono steal so I think that the sword is pre 19th century. The original handle and sheath have a nice patination. The decoration on the handle is traditional and has a beautiful presence and quite similar with others I have found as reference. The carving on the picture is, compared with the ones I am familiar with, more refined and mystical.

Most of the blades found on Alor or the surrounding islands came there by trade. The bunch of these blades, and especially the more older ones, were made on Solor and traded everywhere (a.o. by the VOC). That is why you find on these islands always so many swords with blades in the same shape. The blades of the swords within the region are made by Muslims so the inscriptions / engravings on the blade (see last photo for details) are likely a Muslim motive, the symbol of the Paradise Rivers flowing into the four cardinal directions. It appears often in the Muslim world on objects of utility.

The scabbard, also looks very traditional the mouthpiece on the picture is broader than its height: rectangular. The foot is traditionally in the shape of something that looks somewhat like a 'fat comma' projecting to the edgeside.

These swords are represented in collections (private as well as musea). Quite a few seem to be in "tribal art" collections and also most weapon collectors will only have one example of this type sword from the island of Alor. IoW a very rare piece but at the same time well preserved and beautiful decorated.

The following specs:

Blade length : 36cm
Handle length: 18cm
Weight: 457 grams
Sheath length: 50cm
Total length: 68cm

A true beautiful piece of a rare Alor Klewang with no restorations / repairs and fully original which is slightly worn but an interesting blade. The blade has traces of wear and the hilt and blade decorations are of high quality.

• The items will be carefully packaged and shipped within 1 working day with PostNL (including track & trace information)
• Tracking will be updated on your Catawiki account once your package has been delivered. Check this regularly to prevent your package from being returned.
• If a package is returned, the buyer is responsible for the shipping costs of the 2nd shipment.
• Photos are part of the description and remain the property of Booker Trading.
• The lot can be picked up by appointment in Zandvoort
• If you have any questions about your package, please contact us via Catawiki's messaging service. We always respond quickly
• Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
• We do not mark merchandise values below auction value or mark items as 'gifts'. International government
regulations prohibit such behavior.
• Please note that the images in our auctions are of the actual product and are NOT stock photos. All our photos are professionally taken in our studio.
• We do not ship to Singapore

Seller's Story

Booker Trading combines contemporary design with sustainable materials to provide quality products for in and around your home or business. The wood we use is always FSC certified and always reclaimed, reused or sustainably planted. Our website features handcrafted furniture, lighting, decorative items and umbrellas from suppliers who share our vision and passion for unique and functional designs. Booker Trading is a specialized company in organically modern and ecologically responsible designs and products. Furthermore, we are a small company that has spontaneously grown into one of the most famous suppliers of unique items and designs from recycled materials. Booker Trading's products unite organic shapes, industrial and modern design to merge in a functional design with inspiring elements that appeal to the imagination. Booker Trading prides itself on its commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility and fair trade with our suppliers. Founded in the year 2010 with sales through online webshop and went offline in 2016 with our workshop and showroom in Zandvoort. Partly due to our expertise and local purchasing agents, BookerTrading is unique. We know how to realize the range wishes of our dealers and customers in a professional manner. Our products are made from recycled, reclaimed or otherwise up-cycled wood, in this way we reinvest in our products. Our range consists of functional furniture and decorative items made from old fishing boats, centuries-old houses, fallen trees from rivers and coffee trees replaced by local farmers. Booker Trading supplies to private individuals, companies and retailers.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
orang Alor (Flores)
Country of Origin
Indonesia
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Steel, Wood (Teak)
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Klewang Alor
Height
68 cm
Width
10 cm
Depth
6 cm
Weight
457 g
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Authenticity
Original/official
The NetherlandsVerified
1394
Objects sold
97.66%
pro

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.

Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.

Similar objects

For you in

Southeast Asian, Oceanic & American Art