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Secrets of Bali by Jonathan Copeland with
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Indonesia has probably provided more types of traditional weapons than any other part of the world.
Black metal custom made display stands are available.
Timor Sword 1 Background: This is one of the five main types of swords found in Timor, mainly recognisable from the shape of their hilts. The hilt is slightly curved and ends in a round stylised bird's head. The scabbard is made of two parts of wood held together with silver and metal strips. The top of the scabbard has hand spun cotton for attaching to a belt. The blades are often of English, Portuguese or Dutch origin.
Timor Sword 2
Background: This is a variant one of the five main types of swords found in Timor, mainly recognisable from the shape of their hilts. The hilt is in the shape of a cock's head. At the top is a kind of cock's comb. The eye is made of silver - one side is missing. The beak is blunt. The scabbard is made of two parts of wood held together with finely decorated silver strips. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The blades are often of English, Portuguese or Dutch origin. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 138.
Timor Sword 3: Surik Background: This is another of the five main types of swords found in Timor, mainly recognisable from the shape of their hilts. It is called a Surik and was worn only by the Meos, the foremost fighters, and usually also the most successful head-hunters of the village. The hilt has the shape of a high triangle above an octagonal shaft which is broad at the foot. The triangle's upper sides holes are bored into which tufts of black goat's or horse hair are fixed. The flat sides of the triangle have geometric carved lines. The scabbard is made of two parts of wood and the whole length on both sides has the same geometric carvings as the triangle. The mouth is thicker and more convex than the rest of the scabbard. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The scabbard is longer than the blade and ends in a broad, flat foot, also decorated with carvings. The blades are often of English, Portuguese or Dutch origin, but reduced in length. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 133.
Java Machete: Golok Background: This maachete is called a Golok. They were mainly used in combat. It has a firm, short blade with a straight back. The edge is slightly convex in such a way that the centre of gravity lies between the middle and end in order to deliver a heavier blow. The hilt is completely smooth teak wood carved in the shape of a wayang figure the base of which is a brass or gold band. The scabbard is made of two parts of smooth teak wood held together with brass or gold strips and on one side decorated with two brass or gold studs through which could be threaded an attachment to a belt. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 133.
Toraja Sword: Dua Lalan Background: This sword was used both in time of war and for the ceremonial slaughtering of buffaloes. Hence its name Dua Lalan (meaning 'dual purpose') . The blade has an almost parallel straight back and edge. At the tip the back curves towards the edge. The hilt is made of wood carved with geometric spirals. The base of the hilt is horn and above that wire is wrapped around. When looking at the side of the hilt it resembles a hornbill's head, the beak and eye. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The scabbard is straight and has a small foot at its lower part from which about two-thirds is wrapped around with rattan. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 43.
Kalimantan Sword 1: Mandau
Background: This is a sword used when head hunting and as a machete in daily life. It is called a Mandau and is worn almost horizontally by means of a rattan girdle to which all kinds of amulets are attached, The blade's edge faces upwards. The top the blade is shaped somewhat convexly on one side and concavely on the other. Due to this the best striking angle is at 45 degrees from top right to left. The wooden hilt is profusely carved in the shape of the aso or 'dog-dragon.' Although the name literally means 'dog,' the aso is a supernatural creature that incorporates aspects of the dog, the dragon, and the climbing tendrils of forest vines. In addition to warding off dangerous spirits, the aso serves as a status symbol. Only members of the nobility are entitled to show aso. Commoners are restricted to geometric motifs. The hilt's central part is wound around with metal thread. The lowest part is decorated with beads, one of which is missing. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The scabbard is made of two pieces of wood held together by rattan. It is carved and decorated with coloured beads and bone rings. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 87.
Kalimantan Sword 2: Mandau Background: This is a sword used when head hunting and as a machete in daily life. It is called a Mandau and is worn almost horizontally by means of a rattan girdle to which all kinds of amulets are attached, The blade's edge faces upwards. The top the blade is shaped somewhat convexly on one side and concavely on the other. Due to this the best striking angle is at 45 degrees from top right to left. The wooden hilt is profusely carved in the shape of the aso or 'dog-dragon.' Although the name literally means 'dog,' the aso is a supernatural creature that incorporates aspects of the dog, the dragon, and the climbing tendrils of forest vines. In addition to warding off dangerous spirits, the aso serves as a status symbol. Only members of the nobility are entitled to show aso. Commoners are restricted to geometric motifs. The hilt's central part is wound around with metal thread. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The scabbard is made of two pieces of wood held together by plaited rattan. It is carved. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 87.
Nias Sword: Balato Background: Nias is a small island off the west coast of Sumatra, only about 80 miles long. It was called "the Island of Gold" and attracted little attention until the mid 19th century. The sword is called a Balato. They are very rare. The blade broadens to a point with an almost straight edge. The hilt is complex and richly decorated with a brass ring broadening towards the base. The carving is a lasara, which is a mythicl figure linked to the god of death and arkness. It is a fanciful head, with teeth of a wild boar, the mouth of a crocodile or snake, crowned with a calao helmet and the antlers of a deer. The wooden scabbard is held together by strips of brass. A round plaited rattan basket is attached to the scabbard decorated with tiger claws, which are considered of great value. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 29.
Photograph from The National Geographic article 'The Island of Nias, at the Edge of the World' by Mabel Cook Cole, 1931.
Kalimantan Sword 3: Mandau Background: This is a sword used when head hunting and as a machete in daily life. It is called a Mandau and is worn almost horizontally by means of a rattan girdle to which all kinds of amulets are attached, The blade's edge faces upwards. The top the blade is shaped somewhat convexly on one side and concavely on the other. Due to this the best striking angle is at 45 degrees from top right to left. The wooden hilt is carved in the shape of the aso or 'dog-dragon.' Although the name literally means 'dog,' the aso is a supernatural creature that incorporates aspects of the dog, the dragon, and the climbing tendrils of forest vines. In addition to warding off dangerous spirits, the aso serves as a status symbol. Only members of the nobility are entitled to show aso. Commoners are restricted to geometric motifs. The hilt's central part is wound around with metal thread. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The scabbard is made of two pieces of wood held together by plaited rattan. It is carved. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 88.
Kalimantan Sword 4: Mandau Background: This is a sword used when head hunting and as a machete in daily life. It is called a Mandau and is worn almost horizontally by means of a rattan girdle to which all kinds of amulets are attached, The blade's edge faces upwards. The top the blade is shaped somewhat convexly on one side and concavely on the other. Due to this the best striking angle is at 45 degrees from top right to left. The wooden hilt is profusely carved in the shape of the aso or 'dog-dragon.' Although the name literally means 'dog,' the aso is a supernatural creature that incorporates aspects of the dog, the dragon, and the climbing tendrils of forest vines. In addition to warding off dangerous spirits, the aso serves as a status symbol. Only members of the nobility are entitled to show aso. Commoners are restricted to geometric motifs. The hilt's central part is wound around with metal thread. The hilt's lower part fits exactly. The scabbard is made of two pieces of wood held together by plaited rattan. It is carved. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 88.
Kelewang Sword 1 Background: Kelewang is a collective noun for swords and machetes found all over Indonesia. A characteristic is that the blade widens towards the point, so that the centre of gravity lies near the tip. The blade is straight or slightly curved. The hilt is profusely engraved. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 70.
Kelewang Sword 2 Background: Kelewang is a collective noun for swords and machetes found all over Indonesia. A characteristic is that the blade widens towards the point, so that the centre of gravity lies near the tip. The blade is straight or slightly curved. The hilt is profusely engraved. A similar example is shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 70.
Dagger: Rencong
Background: A rencong is a dagger with a sharp blade and slightly convex back. The scabbard is made of wood. In cross-section it's a flattened oval, following the blade's shape. Its upper part broadens. It is two-piece and tied with silver bands. The rencong is carried on the left hand side, inserted beteen the body and girdle. Examples are shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 114.
Dagger: Sewar Background: A sewar is a dagger of Indian origin carried in a belt. The hilt and scabbard are made of wood and carved. In cross-section it's oval. following the blade's shape. Its upper part broadens. It appears to be one piece. Examples are shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 120.
Kris: Bali
Background: The kris is a dagger. The blade broadens towards the hilt, where one part protrudes more than the other. The blade may be straight or wavy - this one is straight. The striaght one symbolises the mythical snake, naga, at rest and the wavy one its movements. The Balinese kris has a character of its own. The average Balinese kris is longer and heavier than others. The blade is made of iron, nickel and steel and the line of the blade is tight. The wooden scabbard has a broadened upper part. The whole back is encased with a silver oversheath, parts of which are intricately engraved. The silver top and bottom are also engraved. Apart from being a weapon, a kris is endowed with magical powers. It can protect and bring prosperity to its owner. It plays an important part in Balinese wedding ceremonies and is worn on formal occasions. Offerings are presented and prayers are said during the making of a kris on auspicious days. It is treated with care and respect. When it is not worn, it is presented with offerings and sprinlked with holy water every 210 days on Tumpek Landep. The characteristically Balinese lightbrown wooden hilt has a silver cap. The silver shaft ring located between the hilt and the blade is inlaid with precious stones stressing the elevated status of the owner. Examples are shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at pages 64-68
Kris: Palembang, Sumatra
Material: Iron blade, silver on wooden
scabbard, wooden hilt Background: The kris is a dagger. The blade broadens towards the hilt, where one part protrudes more than the other. The blade may be straight or wavy - this one is wavy. The striaght one symbolises the mythical snake, naga, at rest and the wavy one its movements. Arts and crafts flourished in Palembang including weapon forging. The kris was supposedly introduced in the 13th century by the Javanese occupying forces and their smiths. The wooden scabbard for this small kris has a broadened upper part. The smooth wooden hilt is a stylised practically cubist person and has a silver shaft ring located between the hilt and the blade. The blade is characteristically slender and graceful. Similar hilts are shown in Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago, Albert G. Van Zonneveld, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2001 at page 66
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