Cannabaceae

Piso Sanalenggam
A Piso Sanalenggam from Sumatra, late 19th–early 20th century.
TypeSword
Place of originIndonesia (North Sumatra)
Service history
Used byBatak (Toba Batak people and Pakpak people)
Specifications
Length46–55 cm (18–22 in)

Blade typeSingle edge
Hilt typeWater buffalo horn
Scabbard/sheathWood

The Piso Sanalenggam (also known as Piso Sanalenngan, Piso Sinalenggam, Piso Sinalenggan, Piso Surik Sinalenggan, or Sanalenggam) is a type of broad sabre from North Sumatra, Indonesia. This sword is a weapon of war during the times when feuds were frequent among the different Batak groups.[1] Piso Sanalenggam that were made by datu priests from the Dairi Regency region, is used for the preparation of medicine and magical substances.[2]

Description

[edit]

The Piso Sanallengam has a single-edged, heavy slashing blade. The blade widens from the hilt to the spot. The focus is close to the place. The blade usually has neither a hollow grind nor a central ridge. The cutting edge runs in an S-shape and curves slightly from the back of the blade to the point. The hilt is carved from wood or horn and decorated or split at the end. The hilt is bent towards the pommel. The ferrule and the pommel are usually made of brass. The scabbards are made of wood and flat. The mouth hole is wider than the blade and protrudes towards the cutting edge. The sheath end is bent. The Piso Sanalenggam is used by the Batak ethnic group.[3]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Florina H. Capistrano-Baker (1994). Art of Island Southeast Asia: The Fred and Rita Richman Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 46. ISBN 978-08-709-9697-9.
  2. ^ Achim Sibeth & Bruce W. Carpenter (2007). Batak Sculpture. D. Millet. p. 248. ISBN 978-98-141-5585-4.
  3. ^ Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. p. 109. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.

One thought on “Cannabaceae

  1. Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
    View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction

Leave a Reply