Sword

Title

Sword

Year/Period

Late 19th-early 20th century

Region

Sumba, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesian Archipelago

Object Type

machetes (knives), sheaths (cases), swords

Material

wood (plant material), ivory (material), rattan, iron (metal)

Technique

woodworking, metalworking, assembling (additive and joining process)

Dimension

Object size: H:58 x W:3 x D:8.5 cm

Accession No.

2008-06639

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

The blade of this 'kabeala', sword or machete, broadens slightly towards the tip. Its back curves towards the edge at the tip. It has an ivory hilt and sheath with coins inlay. The 'kabeala ' is the national sword of the people of east Sumba island. It would have been worn by all men within the community and used as a general purpose machete and knife as well as a weapon in warfare.