The world knows them as weapons; Indonesian keeps them as the heirlooms with magical power. We walk you through the basics.
13 April 2017 13:24
Indonesia has more than 300 ethnicities spread from Sabang to Merauke. Sure enough, each tribe has its own traditional weaponry. These sharp objects can be used to stab or prick, but the right owner of these weapons would never make contact with blood, because it is not the main use of the dagger.
The true power they hold is not on its blade, but instead from the material they are made of: iron, titanium, nickel, silver, meteorite, and other metals. The mix of these materials create pamor, which holds the power of the weapon. Beautiful, mysterious, yet powerful.
1. Rencong
via atjehliterature
Rncong is Aceh's traditional dagger, curved with a tapered tip. Rencong is held at the front of waist, a sign of readiness for war. An Aceh warrior of olden times could kill in battle with this dagger - and many did, in a battle with Dutch forces. The incident leaves a cemetery of Dutch in Aceh and gave the region the miniker"Aceh Pungo", meaning "crazy Aceh".
2. Piso Gaja Dompak
via hariansib
Like rencong, piso gaja dompak from North Sumatra is used not to prick or stab the enemy despite its sharp blade. Legend says that only those who can pull the blade from its sheath is the true owner. King Sisingamangaraja I was knownas the first who could (like the tales of King Arthur and Excalibur, and only royal descendants could hold it ever since. The magical power of piso gaja dompak requires a sharp mind and ingenuity of a tribal leader.
3. Kerambit
via imgur
The small, curved knife came originally from Minangkabau, West Sumatra. It then spread to Java and other Southeast Asian countries. The hole on the holder is used to place the index finger, while the hand holds it in a position to stab; the tiger-nail shaped blade is pointing out to tear at the enemy's body from close range. One of the most famous kerambit is called Kuku Bima, which was used by Bima of Pandawa in the Baratayudha (War of Gods).
4. Badik/Kawali
via blogspot
Badik, or Kawali, is a traditional weapon from both South Sumatra and South Sulawesi. People there would keep badik to maintain wealth, health and prosperity of their family. If the dagger falls into the wrong hands, the holder would suffer. Although similar, each tribe adds a unique character on the dagger, andgives them different names.
5. Kujang
via zipoer7
Kujang is a daggerfrom West Java, which means "The Mighty God's Weapon". It is shaped like a hook, with small holes and ornamental carvings on the curved blade. The unique dagger is a symbol of sharp mind and strength in life, as well as power and the courage to protect goodthings; the curves represent the five philosophies of the Sundanese. Farmers often use kujang as a symbol of protection for their home.
6. Keris
via atkinson
This dagger might be the most famous of all, because it is used not only by the Javanese but also in other parts of Indonesia, as well as in Southeast Asias countries, only known by different names. The blade can be straight, or curved with odd numbers from 1 to 11. The different shapes and damascenes mean different powers and purposes.
7. Clurit
via blogspot
Clurit, or celurit, is traditional weapon and heirloom from Madura, East Java. The crescent-shaped blade is similar to arit, or sabit, a tool used in Indonesian farming. But clurit has a magical power in it, and is used in Carok, a final battle to solve vendettas in Madura. Clurit is known to be used by Sakera, a revolutionary hero from Pasuruan, East Java, in the struggle for independence from the Dutch.
8. Mandau
via tkardinpisau
It's well known that Dayak people from Borneo, or Kalimantan, are one of the most feared tribes in Indonesia. Their ultimate weapon is the mandau, a sword used to behead their enemies.Their brutality in war only made the crazy dare to challenge them, or even enter their land. The Dayak believe the mandau is a weapon of bravery.
9. Parang Salawaku
via blogspot
Parang Salawaku is actually a pair of machete and shield. It is traditional Ambonese weaponry. Parang is name of the machete that symbolizes bravery, and Salawaku is the shield that symbolizes justice. The pair is a symbol of people's freedom, and can be seen in the Ambon City government's logo. The weapon is also use in the Cakalele dance, a traditional dance that depicts the strength of Maluku men.
10. Tombak
via blogspot
The Tombak, or spear, appears in many Indonesian triball groups as an ultimate weapon. Like other weapons, the spear is made out of a mix of metal materials that bind itsmagical power together. The spear can be put on top of a long wooden handle like a lance, or on a shorter one and sheathed like a club. Tombak is usually used by leaders as a symbol of authority, and as a medium for magical power.
11. Trisula
via blogspot
Trisula also appears in many Indonesian cultures as family heirlooms. The three-forked blade is believed to be a relic of the Srivijaya Kingdom in Palembang, South Sumatra. It is also known as Lord Shiva's ultimate weapon. Different from other kinds of trisula, the one from South Sumatra has a spear mounted on the other end of the stick. It serves as a double weapon.
