Saber Called Piso Gaja Dompak - Batak Culture, Sumatra - First Half Of The 20th Century

SABRE called Piso Gaja Dompak
Batak culture, Sumatra
First half of the 20th century
Brass, steel
Total length: 59 ; Blade length: 46.5 cm

Sabre with single-edged steel blade.
Bolster engraved with geometric motifs.
Brass handle depicting a seated figure in the round, hands clasped, head slightly tilted towards the sky.

This sword is not used for combat, but is a prestigious traditional object handed down from generation to generation.
The term Piso Gaja Dompak has a special meaning: piso means knife, gaja refers to the elephant and dompak to the idea of a talisman. This sword is said to be a blade combining the shape of an elephant's tusk with supernatural powers.

Ref : 3912

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON