A Piso Podang, or Chenangkus, With a Very Old Blade

[CharlesS]

Here is a nice old piso podang, or chenangkas, with a very old blade dating to at least the 17th century and probably older. The blade, even being unusually long for such examples, has been shortened. Does anyone recognise the bird-like motif that just clears one langet??? On the opposite side are stars and moons hidden beneath the langet and virtually impossible to photogragh.

I believe this is a very early trade blade that ended up on the Malay pennisula.

[ariel]

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1706&highlight=piso+podang

Mine has no markings, but the blade is obviously European, too.

[Lee]

I believe this is a very early trade blade that ended up on the Malay pennisula.

I agree entirely. I do not recall having seen the bird form before.