Variety of traditional West Javanese weapons is unique and should be preserved
Getting to know the different traditional weapons of West Java is a form of love for the homeland and the state. As the nation’s next generation , the nation’s youth and women may know different types of homeland cultures to be better preserved.
The cultural heritage will therefore not fade to posterity later on. In reality, Indonesia is indeed a country rich in culture. Not only traditional weapons, but also many folk songs, traditional clothing, to traditional houses and so far preserved for the progress of the nation.
5 Traditional Weapons of West Java
West Java Province , which is part of Java Island , has a variety of uniqueness that is truly charming. You can find a variety of unique old equipment that will amaze you from time to time. In the past, these weapons were used in carrying out work.
Residents of west Java province use it for a variety of purposes, ranging from hunting, farming to as a tool to protect themselves. Nevertheless, times continue to evolve. Traditional weapons are no longer used in everyday life. Its existence was preserved then and is now stored in various museums.
Several types of traditional West Javanese weapons are also still owned by the Sundanese people. The varieties that you can recognize until modern times are the following.
- Bedog
Bedog is a weapon that resembles a knife. The size of this thing looks quite large. Most residents on the island of Java should be familiar with Bedog. The size reaches 40 cm and is made of steel and iron. Steel and iron are then refined and piped by forging.
- Crab
Among the population of the province of West Java, the traditional coat of arms of West Java is called ani-ani. This is an object equipped with a pisa eye on one side and a manual wood on the other. This tool is used to carry out the harvestingof vegetables from kangkung. This equipment is also used to harvest rice.
- Congkrang
This weapon viewed at a glance is similar to a hoe. The size is easier to grasp by hand. As a rule, this tool is used in plantations for farming. Congkrang is more often used by women. Meanwhile, the men use hoes more often.
- Sulimat
The province of West Java is indeed very rich in diversity of weapons. Sulimat is an object for peeling coconuts from the skin. The knife is pointed and sharp, so it can be used to peel off such a hard scalp.
- Gold
The existence of this thing can be quite popular in different regions . This thing is used when performing daily activities. The leaf is sharply curved and the shape is like a crescent moon. Its presence is used for pruning shrubs and grasses.
Features of West Javanese traditional weapons Kujang and their types
So far, you should know a variety of previous equipment from different regions, including from west Java province. Aftermun actually, what are the benefits? There are several benefits that can be used.
One of the traditional weapons of West Java is the Kujang. You have to be familiar with this one thing. It turned out that the species are quite varied. Each type has a different function. Here are some features and their types.
Kujang became a kind of typical Sundanese tool. The people of the Sundanese tribe even believe that objects contain magical and sacred . That’s why they call it Hyang or Kudi, which is an ancient language.
They believe that the Kudi or Hyang has the power ofthe Occult. In the Ancient Sundanese language, Hyang is defined as a God. Therefore, Kujang is supposed to have the power where the power of the gods comes.
Their sizes vary. Some are 20 cm tall and some are 25 cm. This thing is used by men. Historians to researchers did research. The results are amazing. They say the weapon was used in the 8th century. So far, the traditional West Javanese coat of arms has had several functions such as:
- Landbouwgereedschappen
Some Sundanese use Kujang for agriculture. They also use it to prune wild herbs.
- Symbol
Kujang’s weapon is also not necessarily used when performing various activities, but as a symbol.
- Erfstuk
This weapon is also used as protection against a weapon when conducting warfare.
- Decoration
Many people in the province of West Java have until now have weapons from the past to display in their homes.
How to use traditional weapons of West Java Baliung
In addition to Kujang , Baliung is one of the former equipment from Sunda that is still preserved today. The shape of the object is like an axe, but it already looks a little more modern . Its function is almost like an axe in general, which performs the felling of trees of large dimensions.
So this equipment is not only historical as a traditional equipment. The Sundanese still keep and use it until it enters modern times as it does now. The people who often use it are those who work in the field of forestry.
This thing has a pretty unique shape. Its size reaches 35 cm if measured to the bone. If you look at it, the handle of this thing looks quite thick at first glance. If it is lifted heavy enough. That way , the cutting force it will produce is certainly very high.
You will find the side of the baliung with a sharp and thick surface. The long and thick part is then certainly able to scratch the bark of the tree to be cut. Trees with hard bark can also be scratched with Baliung.
Bandung Museum Collection of Traditional Weapons of West Java
In several regions of the country, traditional equipment used since ancient times has indeed been preserved. They are placed in the museum so that the current generation can still use and study them.
Well, it turns out that not many people know that the Bandung Museum has a collection of historical objects , including traditional weapons from Sunda. The collection is numerous and beautiful. They are neatly maintained , so that it is very easy for any visitor to see them and learn about them.
You can see different collections of ancient weapons of war exactly on Bumi Pakarang Sasusuhan. This museum is located in Arcamanik KOTA Bandung. The museum is actually owned by Gun Gun Gurnadi. In addition to being used as a museum, he also used it as a residence.
On the first floor you will find a glass cabinet with a variety of weapons typical of the province of West Java. There are Keris, Kujang and many more. Entering the second floor, you will see different types of objects displayed in glass cabinets, placed on walls and on the table.
You will also be sure to be surprised when you enter the number 3 floor. On the floor, different types of dogs, kujang and daggers are displayed. The walls on the 3rd floor are almost full of all kinds of weapons on display. Even the owner’s shelves were made on the grounds that the walls were not enough to show weapons.
The younger generation can love culture and homeland through peran and retain a variety of traditional equipment. In fact, you can try to use it when the item is indeed selling. Preserve the traditional weapons of West Java for the betterment of the nation.