19th C. Sumatran Steel & Buffalo Horn Rencong Dagger

Southeast Asia, Sumatra, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A lovely example of a rencong, a steel dagger with a large handle and scabbard made from water buffalo horn, polished to a matte black. Twin thin bands of brass wrap around the scabbard, which has a whimsical curved form and widens dramatically at its top. A repousse brass flower wraps around the base of the handle. The top of the handle has a similarly dramatic form, extending out at ninety degree angle nearly as far as it is long. The thin blade has a cast flourish at its upper end and relief Malay letters along its length. The rencong was a weapon made for fighting at close range and today is used in the martial art known as silat. Size: 5.5" W x 14.35" H (14 cm x 36.4 cm)

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection

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#152207
Condition Report: Rich patina on all surfaces. Light wear commensurate with age including some small nicks and scratches on surface and slight smoothing of the motifs on the brass components. Overall in lovely condition.