SABER called Piso Gaja Dompak - Batak culture, Sumatra - First half of the 20th century

SABER called Piso Gaja Dompak

Batak culture, Sumatra

First half of the 20th century

Brass, steel

Long. total: 59; Long. blade: 46.5 cm

Saber with a single-edged steel blade.

Miter engraved with geometric patterns.

Brass handle animated by a seated figure in the round, hands clasped, head slightly inclined towards the sky.

This saber is not used for combat but is a prestigious traditional object passed down from generation to generation.

The term Piso Gaja Dompak has a particular meaning: piso means knife, gaja refers to the elephant and dompak to the idea of talisman. Also, this saber would be a blade combining the shape of the elephant's tusk and endowed with supernatural powers.

Ref. :3912

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON