GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The sculptor carved this sword’s hilt in the form of two opposing identical faces that are reminiscent of those found on Batak helmet masks. Three iron pins inserted into the opened lower edge—where the chins of the Janus faces merge— can be interpreted as furled lips with tongues protruding. This is a motif to which the Batak assigned the power of fending off disaster. The sheath features three projections that are functional: they held the sword’s carrying cord, or sash, firmly in place.
This elaborately decorated sword was probably not used in hand-to-hand combat but was part of a Batak warrior’s attire on ceremonial occasions.
Excerpt from
Roslyn Adele Walker, Ph.D., Senior Curator, The Arts of Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific, The Margaret McDermott Curator of African Art, DMA Label copy on TMS, June 2013.
NOTES
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PROVENANCE
n.d.: Steven G. Alpert, Dallas, Texas
From 2001: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Steven G. Alpert [1]
[1] See copy of Deed of Gift in Collections Records object file.
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apply to objects where number equals 2001.354.A-B
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General Description
The sculptor carved this sword’s hilt in the form of two opposing identical faces that are reminiscent of those found on Batak helmet masks. Three iron pins inserted into the opened lower edge—where the chins of the Janus faces merge— can be interpreted as furled lips with tongues protruding. This is a motif to which the Batak assigned the power of fending off disaster. The sheath features three projections that are functional: they held the sword’s carrying cord, or sash, firmly in place.
This elaborately decorated sword was probably not used in hand-to-hand combat but was part of a Batak warrior’s attire on ceremonial occasions.
Excerpt from
Roslyn Adele Walker, Ph.D., Senior Curator, The Arts of Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific, The Margaret McDermott Curator of African Art, DMA Label copy on TMS, June 2013.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
n.d.: Steven G. Alpert, Dallas, Texas
From 2001: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Steven G. Alpert [1]
[1] See copy of Deed of Gift in Collections Records object file.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
rules
Apply To
Objects
number
Equals
2001.354.A-B
source file
object_notes_4_c-0144.xml.nores