Various traditional West Javanese weapons unique and must be preserved
Getting to know various traditional weapons of West Java is a form of love for the homeland and state. As the next generation of the nation , the nation’s young men and women may know different types of homeland cultures to be better preserved.
So cultural heritage will not fade to posterity later. 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 have been preserved to improve the nation.
5 traditional weapons of West Java
West Java Province, which is part of Java Island, has a variety of unique properties that are really charming. You can find a variety of unique old-fashioned equipment that will amaze you from time to time. Previously, these weapons were used to carry out work activities.
Residents of the West Java province use it for a variety of purposes, ranging from hunting, farming to as a tool to protect themselves. Nevertheless, times are constantly evolving. Traditional weapons are no longer used in everyday life. Its existence was then preserved and is now stored in various museums.
Some types of traditional West Javanese weapons are also still owned by the Sundanese people. The varieties that you can recognize until the modern era are here.
- Bedog
Bedog is a knife-like weapon. The size of this thing seems quite large. Most of the inhabitants of the island of Java must be familiar with Bedog. It reaches 40 cm in size and is made of steel and iron. Steel and iron are then smoothed out and passed through forging.
- Crab
Among the people of West Java Province , the traditional weapon of West Java is called ani-ani. This is an object equipped with pisa eyes on one side and hand-held wood on the other. This tool is used to harvestvegetables from kangkung. This equipment is also used to harvest rice.
- Congkrang
This weapon , at first glance, resembles a notch. The size is easier to understand by hand. Usually this tool is used in plantations for agriculture. Congkrang is more often used by women. Meanwhile, men use hoes more often.
- Sulimat
The West Java province is indeed very rich in weapons diversity. Sulimat is an object for peeling coconuts from the skin. The blade is pointed and sharp so that it can be used to peel off such a hard scalp.
- Gold
The presence of this thing can be quite popular in different regions. This thing is used to perform daily activities. The leaf is sharply curved, and the shape is crescent-like. Its presence is used for pruning shrubs and grasses.
Features of West Java Kujang traditional weapons and their types
To date, you must have known a variety of previous equipment from different regions, including from West Java Province. Namouth actually, what are the benefits? There are various advantages that can be used.
One of the traditional weapons of West Java is Kujang. You must be familiar with this thing. As it turned out, the types are quite varied. Each type has a different function. Here are some features and types.
Kujang Became a typical Sundanese type of tool. The Sundaese people even considered that objects contain magical and sacral. That is why they refer to it as Hyang or Kudi which is an ancient language.
They consider Kudi or Hyang to have supernatural powers. In the old Sundanese language, Hyang is interpreted as a God. Therefore, Kujang is considered to have the power where the power comes from the gods.
Their sizes vary. Some are 20 cm and others are 25 cm . This thing is used by men. Historians to scientists conduct research. The results are amazing. They say that the weapon was used in the 8th century. To date, the traditional West Javanese weapon has various features such as:
- Agricultural implements
Some Sundanese use Kujang for agriculture. They also use it to spread to prune wild herbs.
- Symbol
Kujang’s weapons are not necessarily used to perform various activities, but as a symbol.
- Släktklenod
This weapon is also used as protection for weapons in warfare.
- Decoration
Many people in West Java province so far have weapons from the past to show off in their homes.
How to use traditional West Java weapons in 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 ax, but it already looks a little more modern . Its function is almost like an ax in general, which is to cut down trees of large size.
So this equipment is not only history like traditional equipment . The Sundanese people still preserve and use it until it enters modern times as now. Those who often use it are those who work in forestry.
This thing has a rather unique shape. Its size reaches 35 cm if measured up to the handle . If you look at it, the handle of this thing at first glance looks quite thick. If it is lifted quite sharply. In this way, the cutting force it will produce is really very high.
You can find the side of the balung with a sharp and thick surface. The long and thick part is then secured to be able to give scratches to the bark of the tree to be cut down. Even trees with hard bark can be scratched with Baliung.
Bandung Museum West Java traditionella vapensamling
In different regions of the country, traditional utensils used since ancient times have really continued to be preserved. They are placed inside 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 amazing. They are nicely cared for so that it is very easy for any visitor to see and learn about them.
You can see various collections of ancient war weapons exactly on the Pakarang Sasusuhan Earth. 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 used it as a residence.
On the first floor you will find a glass cabinet with a variety of weapons typical of the West Java province. There are Keris, Kujang and many more. When you enter the second floor, you can see different types of objects that appear in the glass cabinet, on the wall, until they are placed on the table.
You will also definitely be surprised when you enter floor number 3. On the floor appear various types of bedogs, kujang and daggers. The walls of the 3rd floor are almost full of various weapons on display. Even the shelves of the owner were made due to the fact that the walls were not enough to show weapons.
The younger generation can love the culture and the motherland through the p era and preserve the diversity of traditional equipment. In fact, you can try to use it when the item is really sold. Preserve the traditional weapons of West Java to improve the nation.