Product Description

Java Machete: Golok.       SOLD

Material: Iron blade, brass or gold and teak wood hilt and scabbard
Style: Java, early 20th century
Size: Length 52.5 cm, width 11 cm
Order Number: TATW4

This maachete is called a Golok. They were mainly used in combat. It has a firm, short blade with a straight back. The edge is slightly convex in such a way that the centre of gravity lies between the middle and end in order to deliver a heavier blow.

The hilt is completely smooth teak wood carved in the shape of a wayang figure the base of which is a brass or gold band.

The scabbard is made of two parts of smooth teak wood held together with brass or gold strips and on one side decorated with two brass or gold studs through which could be threaded an attachment to a belt. The hilt’s lower part fits exactly.

A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 133.