Introduction

sikin panjang, also known as "sikin panyang" or literally "long sikin is the sword of mainly the Aceh region in the northeastern part of the island of Sumatra. Production started to slow down considerably from 1872 as a result of the Dutch disarming of the population, so the majority date from before this time.¹

Some sikin panjang such as this example come with a golden crown, called glupa at the base of their hilts. Such glupacome with single, double and triple "crowns". Such crowns are found on another typically Acenese weapon, the rencong. We know the Sultan of Aceh had weapons with four crowns, suggesting that the number of crowns denoted rank, the more, the higher. It is said that such weapons with golden crowns were only for the panglima ranks and higher.

Under the Sultan were the local lords or uleebalang who may have worn the multi crowned sikin panjang. During a state of war, such as the war with the Dutch, they appointed temporary military commanders or panglima prang. Upon appointment they received a sikin panjang and rencong (a knife with sharply curved handle), it were perhaps these panglima prang that were issued the single crown examples.
 

This example

A classic sikin panjang with golden crown. The straight blade is lightly hollow ground and with a shallow groove near the spine. The blade reveals with a nice pattern of mechanical damascus. The handle is made of horn, featuring the golden crown discussed above. Above the crown is a steel bolster, also exhibiting the forge folded damascus patter that the blade has. The scabbard is carved in the typical abstract floral designs. The outside of the scabbard has an interesting feature, which appears to be a simlified version of an azimat or religious talisman that was meant to protect the wearer.
 

Some period sources

Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, a scholar of Oriental cultures & Advisor on Native Affairs to the Dutch East Indies writes:

"Persons of position or those who are going on a journey carry in addition the Achehnese sword (sikin panyang) which is the ordinary weapon used in fighting. It is of uniform width from end to end, and is placed in a sheath." ²

Hurgronje writes the following on these panglima prang:

"The panglima prang also ranks to some extent as a member of the uleebalang's suite. Anyone who has distinguished himself on some few occasions as a warrior is raised (in just the same way as the panglima kaiuom), to the rank of panglima prang, a rather empty dignity if considered alone. The weapons (sikin panjang and reunchong) which he receives from the uleebalang on his appointment, he must return to him again if he should ever embrace the cause of an enemy of the latter.

In times of peace these officers have no share in the government or administration of justice; in war the amount of confidence reposed by the uleebalang in his panglima prang as leaders of his fighting men depends on the personal qualities of the chief himself." ³
 

Condition

Blade is stable, but with some patches of deeper corrosion on blade. Some minor edge damage from active use. Handle in sound condition, everything is tight. Scabbard is a little small for this blade, but they came together and were probably used together for quite some time. The larger blade forced the plates to separate, which was fixed by two silver bands that now hold it together. The pointed end of the scabbard mouth is lost.
 

Conclusion

A nice example of an Acehnese sikin panjang with golden crown. These weapons were worn by people of rank, starting at the local military leaders or panglima prang ranks and up. It comes complete with a period replacement scabbard with a simplified "azimat" talisman design.

 

Notes
1. A. van Zonneveld: Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. C. Zwartenkot Art Books, Leiden, 2001. Pages 124-125.
2. Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, The Acehnese, E.J. Brill, Leiden, 1906. Page:
3. Ibid. Page 93.