Code: IN36
Badik Macassar (also called Badik Sari)
Tangguh (era): Nom (17th century), possibly from era of Yogyakarta kingdom
Dapur (style): Badik (Badek)
Hulu: New, with rounded pistol grip style, made of hardwood with a design typical of the craft on Sulawesi
Pamor: On the Sor-Soran, the pamor appears to be ujung gunung. On the blade, the pamor is Adeg Wengkon
This badik is from the Makassar people of southern Sulawesi, Indonesia. It was originally obtained from the Larger Sunda Islands of Indonesia in 1981. The blade is old (by western standards) and all the other fittings are new, late 20th C.
The hilt and scabbard are made of native hardwood of the area with a beautiful grain. The scabbard is decorated with two brass pieces at chape and throat, each with floral designs embossed against an acid-etched darker background.
The Badik is carried on either the left or right side of the body with the hilt’s end pointed backward. In a confrontation, turning the hilt forward without drawing the blade is a signal to others that combat may be imminent but stops short of violence.
The Badik is a traditional dagger which originates from the coastal tribes of southern Sulawesi such as the Bugis and the Makasarese. Because of their trade relationship with other tribes, it has reached the coasts of Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and to some extent Borneo, Java and Bali.
See also: The Bugis
Edged Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago
See also About the Keris