Tekpi
The tekpi is a short-handled trident from Southeast Asia. Known as tekpi in Malay, it is called chabang or cabang (Dutch spelling: tjabang meaning "branch") in Indonesian, siang tépi (雙短鞭 ) in Hokkien, and trisul (ตรีศูล ) in Thai. More than a weapon, it was also important as a Hindu-Buddhist symbol. It is comparable to the Okinawan Sai. Description The tekpi is made of iron or steel, the basic form of the weapon is that of a sharp and pointed, dagger-shaped metal truncheon, with two curved prongs projecting from the handle. The prongs extend from the hilt and are useful for grabbing away an opponent's weapon. The length of the tekpi ranges from . History The tekpi is believed to have been derived from the ancient Indian trishula, a trident which can be either long or short-handled. The tekpi itself is occasionally referred to as a trisula, especially in Indonesia. The earliest evidence of the tekpi comes from Srivijaya in Indonesia where it was originally used defensively like a shield. Tekpi are also found in the Malacca Sultanate in Malaysia; this tekpi was used by the nobles of the palace. Other sources propose that it was brought to Southeast Asia