Batak Sword

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by RhysMichael

Very nice would this one be called a Piso Halasan ?

Thank you RM,

I would call this a "Piso n Datu."

"Piso" meaning "Knife," --- "Datu" or "guru" being meaning "magician" in Batak.

It seems that many Batak words have roots in Hindi. Possibly from the Tamil region of South India. Still researching.

The Piso n Datu was considered so powerful that the Batak would not keep it in their home. It was kept outside in its own house.

Still researching this also and would appreciate comments. I really love Batak carvings and artifacts.

I do happen to have a Toba Batak "Piso Halasan" also. Pictures below.

See "The Batak" by Achim Sibeth, (pub 1991, by Thames and Hudson, Ltd., London) Page 164