Belonging to the broader family of keris, the sundang was also used by the Malays in the Malay Peninsula, the Sulu Archipelago, and southern Philippines.
What sets the sundang apart from the traditional Malay keris is the size of its blade – it is thicker, longer and wider, similar to that of a sword – as well as the way it is held.
According to information from the Perak Museum citing Malaysian historian Abdul Mubin Sheppard, the sundang originated in Sulawesi, Indonesia, and was brought to the Malay Peninsula by the Bugis people in the 17th century.
The sundang is known by various names and features distinct physical characteristics that vary from region to region. Perak museum department director Mohd Nasrulamiazam Mohd Nasir said it primarily functioned as a symbol of status and power, especially among royalty and the nobility.
“The sundang used by royalty and nobility would have a handle with its top part made of horn or ivory, which was plated with gold or silver and inscribed with intricate designs. In contrast, the sundang owned by warriors were simpler as they were meant for combat,” he told Bernama.
He said there are different categories of sundang; among them Sundang Waad Laksamana, used by warriors such as generals and navy captains or admirals, and Sundang Darjat for sultans and nobles.
“The Sundang Waad Ulama, meanwhile, was used by teachers and scholars, while the Sundang Adat was for community leaders like village chiefs or regional heads,” he explained.
He added that the effectiveness of the sundang as a weapon lay in its strong blade, which was ideal for slashing and flapping. In comparison, the keris is more suited for thrusting and stabbing.
Like the keris, the sundang was also believed to possess mystical elements by communities in the Malay Archipelago, influenced by ancient beliefs. The arrival of Islam gradually diminished such beliefs, but the perception of the sundang as having such properties persisted.
For example, it was considered a talisman that brought good fortune in business dealings, and was also thought to protect its owner by alerting them to any sudden or stealthy attack.
Meanwhile, the Perak Museum is hosting the “Sundang: Art and Power Exhibition” until Dec 31.
“Since it started on June 24, over 80,000 people have visited the exhibition, surpassing our target of 30,000. Visitors include school students, locals and foreign tourists who were eager to learn about the history, origins and significance of the sundang,” Mohd Nasrulamiazam said.
More than 200 pieces of sundang are on display, with 171 sourced from private collectors, and 30 from the museums department and the Perak Museum’s collections.