Iban Piso Podang (big images)

VVV · 26th May 2009, 10:51 AM

As this sword didn't originate among the Bataks, but in India, and as it is found independently, without any Batak connection, in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Brunei, Sarawak and Sabah I think it's incorrect to label it a Piso Podang (the Portugese influenced Batak term).
As far as I have read from different sources the local Borneo name is Pedang.
The problem nowadays however is that among the tourist shops in Kuching Sumatran keris and swords are imported and sold as souvenirs also in Sarawak.
And I haven't been able to find a "for sure indicator" on the plain hilted, closed cup, versions of this sword to know if it was made in Malaysia, Brunei, Sumatra or Sarawak/Sabah. So I assume the provenance, and some local add-ons like this hair, is all we can make conclusions from?

Michael

26th May 2009, 10:51 AM	#15
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	As this sword didn't originate among the Bataks, but in India, and as it is found independently, without any Batak connection, in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Brunei, Sarawak and Sabah I think it's incorrect to label it a Piso Podang (the Portugese influenced Batak term). As far as I have read from different sources the local Borneo name is Pedang. The problem nowadays however is that among the tourist shops in Kuching Sumatran keris and swords are imported and sold as souvenirs also in Sarawak. And I haven't been able to find a "for sure indicator" on the plain hilted, closed cup, versions of this sword to know if it was made in Malaysia, Brunei, Sumatra or Sarawak/Sabah. So I assume the provenance, and some local add-ons like this hair, is all we can make conclusions from? Michael Attached Images