Betawi Golok, Java

Double Blade Golok Dagger with Talismanic Silver Inlay & Horn Hilt

This unusual dagger is from the Betwai people of Java, Indonesia. The Betawi are indigenous to the area around Jakarta. They have their own dialect and culture but are descended from a blend of ethnic groups that found their way to Jakarta (or Batavia as it was known) largely for trading reasons. The blend includes Malay, Sundanese, Javanese, Balinese, Bugis, Arab, Makassarese, Ambonese, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, and Dutch.

The dagger has two blades which slide into two separate holes in the one scabbard. The hilts are of horn, probably buffalo horn. The scabbard is of wood and brass bands, including a sheet brass chape. The scabbard has an incised, leaf shaped belt hook on one side.

The distinctive blades are inlaid with silver, each on both sides, with magical invocations in Jawa/Arabic and other words, the Arabic word for ‘Allah’ among them. Also, there are talismanic, magic squares and other talismanic symbols.

The dagger is in fine condition. There are no losses, splits of repairs.

Provenance:

private collection.