Balatos -- swords with balls!

[Bill Marsh]

From the Island of Nias, off the northern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia come these wonderful swords. The ball holds amulets,talismans and special ju-ju for the warrior.

I got the latest one (feautured) because I really like the huge handle. Need to do a little repair work on the ball, but I have some boar tusks and maybe add in some croc and tiger teeth.

I also really like the distinctive shields. Have pictures of the warriors with shields somewhere and will try to find and post them.

Comments?

 

[Bill Marsh]

Ran out of room. Here are two Nias warriors -- 1931

 

[Skyler R.]

Nice and very interesting. Never heard of them before.

 

[ArchAngel]

Awesome looking swords! Fearsome looking warriors. I can see their appearance striking fear into their opponents!

 

[tedwca]

Strange, in the thumbnail image they look a lot like samurai. At least the outline does. I wonder if the two groups ever came across each other and possible mimicked what they remembered from the encounter.

 

[Skyler R.]

While looking for more pictures of these, I came across this http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=2272 , is this the same one that you bought?

 

[munk]

Bill, I always look forward to seeing your new or old aquisitions. I doubt I'd be exposed to much of this without your threads.
Thank you.



munk

 

[jefptw]

Which side is the edge on? In the picture it looks like the edge is on the same side as the "ball." Is it. If so, the tip is curved opposite the cutting edge. Unique.

James

 

[Bill Marsh]

While looking for more pictures of these, I came across this http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/photos.php?id=2272 , is this the same one that you bought?

Yes.

And the cutting edge is on the straight side.

 

[ferguson]

Outstanding! Very beautiful specimen of an interesting and unusual sword.

Please keep posting your superb finds!

Steve

 

[Fiddleback]

Wow Bill the carving on that handle is just outstanding. Sweet pics. Thanks.