Piso Sanalenggam

Sword

Piso Sanalenggam
A Piso Sanalenggam from Sumatra, late 19th–early 20th century.
Type	Sword
Place of origin	Indonesia (North Sumatra)
Service history
Used by	Batak (Toba Batak people and Pakpak people)
Specifications
Length	46–55 cm (18–22 in)

Blade type	Single edge
Hilt type	Water buffalo horn
Scabbard/sheath	Wood

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

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]

References

^ 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.
^ Achim Sibeth & Bruce W. Carpenter (2007). Batak Sculpture. D. Millet. p. 248. ISBN 978-98-141-5585-4.
^ Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. p. 109. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.

Indonesian traditional weapons, armors, and premodern gunpowder-based weapons

Traditional weapon

Swords (Pedang) & cutlasses (Klewang)	Alamang Amanremu Balato Bara Sangihe Belida Co Jang Dua Lalan Gari Hemola Jenawi Krai Silai Ladieng Langgai Tinggang Luwuk Mandau Moso Niabor Pakayun Pandat Parang Nabur Penai Piso Halasan Piso Sanalenggam Rudus Rugi Sikin Panyang Sundang Surik
Daggers (Belati) & knives (Pisau)	Badik Dohong Kris Keris bahari Patrem Kujang Pasatimpo Palitai Peurawot Pisau raut Pisuwe Rencong Sewar Si Euli Tappi Tumbok Lada Wamilo
Choppers (Parang) & machetes (Golok)	Bendo Blakas Buko Guma Golok Ciomas Golok Rembau Jimpul Kabeala Kandawulo Kudi Parang Chandong Parang Latok Parang Taawu Peda Tangkin Wedung
Impact weapons	Cabang Gada Indan
Pole or spear weapons	Arbir Bambu runcing Bessing Kawali Lembing Pantu Trisula
Flexible weapons	Cambuk
Miscellaneous weapons	Celurit Kerambit Salukat Sumpit Tolor

Gunpowder weapon

Firearm	Bedil Bedil tombak Istinggar Java arquebus Pemuras Terakul
Cannon	Cetbang Ekor lotong Lantaka Lela Miniature meriam kecil
By name	Anak Makassar Bujang Timpang Berang Ki Amuk Si Jagur

Armor and outfit

Shield	Baluse Cakalele Kanta Klebit Bok Kliau Kurabit Peurise Awe Peurise Teumaga Salawaku
Body armor	Baju Empurau Baju Lamina Baju Rantai Baru Lema'a Baru Öröba Karambalangan Kawaca Siping-siping
Helmet	Katapu Paseki Takula tofao