A Rare Peudeung Hulu Meu Apet
A Rare Peudeung Hulu Meu Apet
Acehnese
Aceh Sultanate (Aceh, North Sumatra, Indonesia)
First half of the 19th century
Steel, iron, cotton
Blade: 80cm
Hilt & Blade: 97,8cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 235
Ex. Auctions Imperial: Chatsworth, California, USA (2021)
A rare Indonesian pedang sword from Northern Sumatra, known as the Puedeung, is locally used by the Acehnese. The term is usually applied to curved sabers of European blades or influence. The basket hilt term is hulu meu apat, inspired by early Hindu and South Indian form and characteristics. They were produced for nobility and officers. Other examples more elegantly decorated with gold and diamonds were for those closely connected to the Sultan of Aceh.
The steel blade is locally produced with faint traces of pattern welding, modeled after European blades, likely influenced by Dutch sabers. It presents a wide central fuller extending 3/4 of the blade's length before transitioning into a medial ridge for the remainder 1/4. A smaller but deeper fuller follows the thick spine before becoming a false edge toward the point.
The massive basket hilt reflects Hindu origin, wrought of steel with a heavy hand guard, and three upward quillions. All finely engraved in floral scrollwork and possibly polished silver. Circular dished pommel with an incised eight-pointed cap terminating into a long single prong. Retaining its original cloth padded lining.
A rare earlier sword of nobility from before the Aceh War period of the late 19th century. Rare to still retain its original padded lining. Certainly a charming sword in both aesthetic and symbolic appeal.