Loading AI tools
Parang, Sword From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A parang latok (which is also known as latok, latok buku or parang pathi) is a sword from Borneo in Sarawak, Malaysia; where it is regarded as the national weapon of the Sarawakian Malay people and the Bidayuhs (Land Dayak people),[1] and as well as Kalimantan, Indonesia. It also functions as a machete.
Parang latok | |
---|---|
![]() A Parang Latok, circa 1800-1899. | |
Type | Parang, Sword |
Place of origin | Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia[1] and West Kalimantan, Indonesia) |
Service history | |
Used by | Bornean Malay people, Dayak people (Bidayuh)[1] |
Specifications | |
Length | approximately 55 cm (22 in) |
Blade type | single edged, one sided chisel grind |
Hilt type | wood |
Scabbard/sheath | wood |
Its used for both timber felling, agricultural activities and warfare is characterised by the noticeable bent at an obtuse angle from one-third of its length starting from the pommel.[2] This parang features a single-edge blade that is heavier and wider towards the point of the blade. The handle of the parang latok is made of wood without a guard and often tied securely with rattan at its grip. It is carried in a long, two-piece wooden sheath to properly hold the blade.[3]
In the past, the parang latok is also used for executing condemned criminals, and the decapitation is normally achieved with a single blow.[4] This parang is used two-handedly, with one hand holding the hilt and the other holding the blade's shoulder, enabling its user to strike downwards.
A smaller version of the parang latok is called the buko, while another variant of the parang latok is known as the sadap.[5]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.