This section hold collections of traditional weapons. Parangs, blowpipes, axe, swords, knife by the tribe head hunter. Traditional weapons are the symbol of bravery of the warriors in the villages.

Traditional weapons Dayak Parang, is believed to have supernatural power. They are transmitted from generation to generation. Good quality blades are made of iron which does not oxidize. Also like the Keris, meteorite ore including titanium, was used to make blades.

Inland Dayak Tradtional weapons :

Parang Ilang or Mandau which means “double knife”. It has 2 blades. The main sword and a small knife fitted in the back of the sheath.

Parang Pandat, is the war Parang of the Land-Dayaks. It has an elongated angled blade with a cross guard.

Parang Latok, is used by the Land-Dayaks. It has an angled blade like the Pandat.

Sea Dayak traditional weapons Parang are different from the Parang Ilang. They have a curved blade and a hook (krowit) on the blade near the hilt. Therefore, krowit which serves as a finger guard. They can be divided in four different types:

Niabor, with a curved blade traditional weapons. The edge curves towards the back to the tip. Just below the hilt, on the edge, is a large krowit (also called kundieng). The blade is not decorated and may have a groove. The hilt has a long angled protrusion and no hair.

Langgai Tinggang, which means “the longest tail feather of the hornbill.”, similar to the Niabor. Furthermore, the hilt is similar to the traditional weapons Parang Ilang. A groove runs along the blade from the krowit to the tip. The krowit is not as protruding as on the Naibor and is further from the hilt.

Jimpul, similar to the Langgai Tinggang. However, the krowit is only developed on one side. The tip of the blade is in a slanting angle.

Synoptic of Traditional weapons Dayak Parang, according to Shelford

Blade Type Tribe
Single edged, sides not flat, truncated point Parang Ilang Kayan, Kenyah, Kajaman, Kanowit, Kelabit, Punan
Double edged Bayu Sea-Dayak
Single edged without truncated point, no finger guard Parang Pedang Malay, Melanau
Single edged without truncated point, prominent finger guard Niabor Sea-Dayak
Single edged without truncated point, finger guard not prominent Langgai Tinggang Sea-Dayak
Single edged with truncated point, long and narrow  Pakayun Murut
Single edged with truncated point, broad  Jimpul Sea-Dayak
Angled, largest width <5cm Latok Malay, Melanau
Angled, largest width >5cm Buko Land-Dayak
Angled, no hilt Pandat Land-Dayak

Traditional weapons are beautiful collectibles of each culture. Therefore, traditional weapons are gorgeous decoration too. Apart from being a collector, our collections helps to explain and preserve the culture of each tribes in Asia. Therefore, all their stories and culture will not be forgotten. Thus, we welcome all to view and visit this section of traditional weapons in our gallery.

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