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SABER called Piso Gaja Dompak
Batak Culture, Sumatra
First half of the 20th century
Brass, wood and iron
Length: 61.5; Wt: 7; Long. blade: 24.5 cm
Saber with a single-edged iron blade, brass hilt animated by a seated figure in the round, hands resting on knees. The wooden scabbard is trimmed in brass and copper. The large buttonhole is arched, made of brass. A bail bracelet supports a chain attached to a ring on the upper part of the scabbard.
This saber is not used for combat but is a prestigious traditional object passed down from generation to generation.
The term Piso Gaja Dompaka has a special meaning: "piso" means "knife", "gaja" refers to the elephant and "dompak" to the idea of a talisman. Also, this saber would be a blade combining the form of the elephant's tusk and endowed with supernatural powers.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref: FKCJBCENSR