Global Art & Artifacts

Knife

Antique / Vintage Headhunters Letter Opener.  Miniature.  Sterling silver.  Brass.  Borneo

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

    Authentic headhunting swords like this were popular in the mid- to late- 1800s . . . even up to the mid-1900s (in certain locations).   The primitive weapon collector I purchased it from said it had a sterling silver foundation with copper inlay and brass handle . .… Continue reading

Unique Rencong Knife.   Weapon of Nobility.  Aceh.  Northern Sumatra.  Indonesia. 

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

    Aceh is a semi-autonomous Indonesian province on the northeast tip of the island of Sumatra.  The ethnic group there – the Acehnese – use the Rencong to fight off invaders during the frequent conflicts especially in the mountainous wilderness areas.   Engagement techniques vary depending on the… Continue reading

Achuar Indians Spear and Small Knife.  Remote Pastaza River.  Chonta Palm.  Ecuador.

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

    One of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin, straddling the borders of Ecuador and Peru.  Specifically, this spear / knife came from a remote village along the Pastaza River (a large tributary to the Marañón River)  The Maronon River is joined by the Ucayal River… Continue reading

Iron Phurba. Kila.  Ritual Dagger.  Exorcise Evil.  Tibet

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

    A three sided peg, stake, knife or nail like ritual object that is/was used to stake out sacred and monastery sites to obstruct or repel evil.  Also does wonders to nail down those life distractions such as greed, desire and envy.   The most precious of Phurbas… Continue reading

Scimitar.  Curved Blade Sword.  Knife.  Sheath.  Belt.  Ethiopia

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

    For you Ornithologists out there, I am not talking about the black scimitar-bill from Ethiopia, I am referring to the Middle Eastern scimitar . . . a sword or knife.   Scimitar is a generic name for a Arabic sword with a curved blade.  Its shape is… Continue reading

Batak Piso Halasan Sword / Knife, Sumatra

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

Detail:  Hilt and scabbard are carved from bone or from some resin composite material (although I have never seen a resin composite come out of Sumatra that is this old).  ASO (human-like) traditional figures are carved at both ends and insects, geckos and plant life are carved on… Continue reading

Kris Badik Knife / Dagger, Indonesia

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

Detail: This is a traditional Malay dagger used as a weapon of defense or for more domestic purposes. The blade has Holy verses from the Quran. The scabbard and hilt are made of bone and decorated with silver plated metal. Good condition. Circa early- to mid- 1900’s. This item is no longer available.

Dayak Mandau Ilang Small Knives, Borneo

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

Detail: This is a pair of knives. The Parang Ilang (or Mandau) means double knife because it has a esotericstuff.com sword and a small knife fitted in the back of the sheath. These two knives are the “small knives” and they come from the Dayak tribe of Borneo. The scabbards… Continue reading

Antique Tumbuk Lada Keris Sword, Malay Sumatra

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

Detail: An aristocrat’s Tumbuk Lada carved from – what I am convinced is – elephant bone. The Tumbuk Lada – translates as “chili crusher” – is a common type of dagger on the Malay Peninsula in Sumatra. Slightly curved with a single sharp edge, the blade is iron. This is… Continue reading

Weapons of Moroland, Sword Display, Philippines

Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures

Detail: A display of swords and knives (20 in all), spears, shields and bow/arrow weapons from the Philippines. Each miniature is handcrafted in wood and metal. A great reference. I’m sorry, this item has been sold.
Search EsotericStuff.com
SERIOUS COLLECTORS

NOTE to the Art Collector, Gallery Owner, Dealer or Academic: click here for items unique to your requirements.

Product Categories
CContainers
Bowls, Boxes, Bells, Gongs, Medicine Holders. Containers not considered vessels
FFurniture / Furnishings
Furniture, Furnishings, Wall Hangings, Screens, Lamps, Display Pieces, Pedestals, Paintings
MMasks
Masks and Headgear
RReference / Research
Maps, Books and Materials
SStatues & Figures
Statues, Sculptures, Figures, Heads & Busts
VVessels & Vases
Vessels, Urns, Vases, Incense Burners, Censers
WWeapons
Knives, Swords, Letter Openers, Phurbas, Spears, Blowpipes
OOther not categorized
Other and miscellaneous such as Jewelry, Musical Instruments, Games, Garments, Skulls