83 cm // 32” (sword) cm 78 // 30” (scabbard)

Traditional Timorese sword, called surik, are kept inside the holy house, the most important hut of the clan, and are guarded as relics. In some areas of Timor their use is still common nowadays, they are brandished during the ceremonial dances. Among some communities their use is involved in complexed rituals related to the corn farming (plantation and harvest). In past (until the second world war) they were used as weapons by Meo Warriors. This Surik come from Atoni area, was made from an antique colonial blade. The handle is in horn carved with a traditional romb motif, it is enriched by horse hair locks, symbol of strenght and virility. This particular sword has been used for the ceremonial dances, the original patina was more encrusted and grainy (like the one showed in the last picture) but it was washed by the dealers to be sold and the result is like showed in the pictures. Last pictures show how this kind of swords are kept inside the holy house. They are attached at the central pole by a hanger, often together with masks or other important relics.