Batak Tribe Ceremonial Dagger / Knife, North Central Sumatra

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This dagger is really a short sword worn for ceremonial occasions by the adult male.  Daggers of this quality are highly prized and passed down from generation to generation.  It was acquired from an elderly person in the Lake Samosar area of Sumatra in 1995.

It is hand carved in ebony and metal / silver bands surround the sheath.  The concentric circles in the design detail are a specialty of  the Batak Toba, one of six Batak tribes that inhabit northern and central Sumatra.

I am not absolutely sure of its age but – as a minimum – mid-1900s.   Comes with a custom mount.

 

This unbelievable dagger has sold.  Thanks M.S. !