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Lot 696
Sword knife "piso halasan"
Estimated Value:
2.000 € - 3.000 €
Result:
incl. Premium and VAT
Description:
Indonesia, North Sumatra, Toba-Batak, 19th cent.L. 69 cm
Antler, steel, non-ferrous metal, hide (leather), wood. A very good representative of a type of long knife widely used by the Toba until the 19th century; the “piso halasan” type. It is of outstanding manufacturing quality and classic elegance. The slightly curved back blade with an elongated tip is very strong and has a selectively hardened cutting edge, as can be seen from the dark shadow along the cutting edge. It is made of refined steel (with a folded structure). The wide, strong neck leads smoothly into the patinated antler handle, the surface of which is broken up into oval-structured knobs. These ensure a good feel. Despite its elegance, the piece can be described as a serious weapon. The scabbard, which has a pronounced curve at the bottom, is covered with a dark skin on the half near the point, while the visible body of the scabbard is made of black lacquered wood. The mouth area is set in a two-part, thick-walled cast mouthpiece protruding at the top, to which the original carrying chain leading to the base of the scabbard is attached. The mouthpiece is decorated with fine ornamental geometric bas-relief bands. The degree of wear on the metal parts indicates that it has been worn for several generations. The usual curvature of the scabbard foot is very strikingly executed here.
Collected from an old German private collection since the 1950s
Alongside the mermo forms, knives of this type are probably best described as functional weapons or weapons designed for functionality. They were used alongside thrusting spears in conjunction with skin shields, hampang-hampang, after the spears had been thrown and the firearms fired. However, close combat was usually avoided. The Batak were well-organized, feared opponents in battle, who were able to maintain their independence for a very long time during the colonial period. The heavy carrying chain on the scabbard has a particularly prestigious meaning for the Toba-Batak. It is also found on other objects, such as large tobacco pipes or metal medicine containers. These chains are pusaka (heirlooms) of special significance in their own right.) This is why they are often removed from knives and retained or replaced by thin, inferior surrogates. The fact that this piece is complete is a rare stroke of luck
