Sword

Title

Sword

Year/Period

1309 AH/1891-1892 CE

Region

Malaysia or Indonesia

Object Type

swords, sheaths (cases)

Material

horn (animal material), silver (metal), wood (plant material), steel (alloy)

Technique

inlay (process), carving (processes), inscribing, metalworking

Dimension

Object size: 002: L70.0 x W5.8 cm

Accession No.

1999-02802

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

Traditionally in the Islamic world, beautifully crafted weapons are greatly appreciated. Daggers are an important part of a man’s dress, and the beauty of the weapon is an indication of status. Weapons of various sorts are often inscribed with Qur’anic verses for protective reasons or to ensure military success. The blade of this Malay sword is inlaid with silver inscriptions from the Qur’anic chapter, ‘Al-Fath’ (The Victory). Not all inscriptions on the blade can be read as they are written in pseudo-calligraphy. However, they are meant to have the same protective purposes.