A 19th century Indonesian Bronze Lankata

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Price: £950

Ref: 62080713

Item Description

Lankatas are small portable swivel cannons used throughout Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, in the 19th century and before. These smooth bore muzzle loading weapons were made like small cannons from cast brass or bronze incorporating a pivot, like this example, which allowed 360 degree movement when the lankata was mounted in a fixed position on the side of a ship.

Ships employed these guns as protection against pirates. They did not fire a solid load but instead were crammed with debris like nails and pebbles to ensure maximum damage against opposing groups at short range.

This example is typically formed with a tapering barrel and expanded flowerhead muzzle with a further flowerhead surround at the base ring.  The end knob or cascable is hollow and functions as a hand operated guide to sight the gun.  The gun is sighted with a knob and a rear sight at the vent. The top loops are cast as scaled fish and further decoration to the barrel includes triangular sections containing foliate designs.

The gun is 34.25 inches (87 cm) long. It weighs 46 pounds (21 kilos).