Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A cast-bronze signal cannon or swivel gun known as a lantaka (also rentaka) meant to be mounted on or within merchant vessels and warships. The cannon has an angular back end in front of a tail which doubles as the handle, a line of scales along the back, and a stylized dragon head as the muzzle with flaming projections used as sights. A swivel pin hinges from 2 lateral trunnions, and a diamond-shaped fuse hole rests just behind a slender suspension ring. The name lantaka is derived from the Malay word 'lantak,' meaning "hammering down" or "ramming down" in reference to the muzzle-loading firing method. Size: 14.5" L x 1.9" W (36.8 cm x 4.8 cm); (bore): 0.4" W (1 cm)
Provenance: private Friday Harbor, Washington, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000
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#172533
Condition
Softening to some finer details, with light abrasions and nicks, minor pitting, and surface darkening in some areas, otherwise intact and very good. Swivel pin articulates smoothly on trunnions. Great patina throughout. Has not been tested for firing functionality.