Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 135:
The kerambit is believed to have originated with the Minangkabau people of WestSumatra, presumably inspired by the claw of a large cat. It is often considered a stealth weaponlike the tiger claw daggers of India called the bagh nakh. It is traditionally used with anunderhand grip that could aid in its concealment. It original uses were probably as an agriculturaltool but ultimately it was used in a fighting format. As a pair of knives, they are able to deliverdeadly slashing or ripping wounds in close fighting. The use of kerambit was largely disdainedby the upper class, and was primarily used by the lower class such as peasants. The kerambit isalso known as a weapon used by used by women, due to the relative ease with which it could beconcealed in clothing or hair.The Minangkabau are one of the core ethnic groups of Indonesia and their trade and socialcontacts with other parts of South Asia led to the wider use of the kerambit. They werecommonly used by the Bugis people and in Philippine martial arts. They are sometimes knownby other names, for example as a lawi ayam (chicken’s claw) (Gardner 1936). Variants are madewith a semicircle to place the index finger rather than a closed loop.This kerambit is a 20th century. The blades appears to be fashioned from Damascus pattern welded steel, layered in a decorative pattern to simulate the pamor foundon Indonesian kris. Last photo for size reference only, this lot contains 1 dagger.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 6 3/4" Blade Length : 3 1/2" References:1. Gardner, G. (1936) Keris and other Malay Weapons. Orchid Press; Reprint Edition (April16, 2010)2. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2001) Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago.Leiden: Art Books.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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