The variety of traditional West Javanese weapons unique and needs to 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 next generation of the nation, the young men and women of the nation can know different kinds of patriotic cultures in order to better preserve them.
Thus, the cultural heritage does not later disappear into offspring . In fact, Indonesia is indeed a country rich in culture. Not only traditional weapons, but also many folk songs, traditional clothing, to traditional houses and until now have been preserved for the good of the nation.
5 Traditional weapons of West Java
The province of West Java, which is part of the island of Java, has a diversity of uniqueness that is truly charming. Here you will find a lot of unique old-fashioned equipment that will amaze you from time to time. In the past , these weapons were used in the performance of labor activities.
The inhabitants of West Java province use it for a variety of purposes, from hunting, agriculture to a tool for their protection. However, times are constantly evolving. Traditional weapons are no longer used in everyday life. Its existence was then preserved, and today it is stored in various museums.
Some types of traditional West Javanese weapons are still owned by Sundanes. The varieties that you can recognize up to the modern era , are here.
- Bedog
A 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 a size of 40 cm and is made of steel and iron. The steel and iron are then smoothed and piping with forging.
- Crab
Among the inhabitants 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 handmade wood on the other . The tool is used to harvestvegetables from kangkung. This device is also used for harvesting rice.
- Congkrang
At first glance, this weapon is similar to a hoe. The size is easier to grasp by hand. Usually this tool is used on plantations for agriculture. Congkrang is more commonly used by women . Meanwhile, men more often use hoes.
- Sulimat
Indeed, the province of West Java is very rich in a variety of weapons. Sulimat is an object for peeling coconuts from the skin. The blade is pointed and sharp, so it can be used to exfoliate such a hard scalp.
- Gold
The existence of this thing can be very popular in different regions. This thing is used when performing daily activities. The blade is sharply curved, and the shape is similar to a crescent moon. Its presence is used for pruning shrubs and grasses.
Features of traditional weapons of Western Java Kuyang and their types
Until now, you must have known various past facilities from different regions, including the province of West Java. Onthe mun actually, what are the benefits? There are different benefits that can be taken advantage of.
One of the traditional weapons of West Java is the Kuyang. You need to be familiar with this one thing. As it turned out, the types are quite diverse. Each type has a different function. Here are some features and types.
Kujang It became a typical Sundan type of instrument. The Sundanes even believed that the objects contained magical and sacral. Therefore, they refer to it as Hyang or Kudi, which is an ancient language.
They believe that Kudi or Hyang has supernatural powers. In the old Sundan language, Hyang is interpreted as God.
Their sizes vary. Some are 20 cm and some are 25 cm . This thing is used by men. Historians conduct research on researchers. The results are amazing. It is said that the weapon was used in the 8th century. To date, the traditional West Javanese weapon has various functions such as:
- Agricultural tools
Some Sundanes use Kuyang for agriculture. They also use it for spreading to prune wild herbs.
- Symbol
Also, Kuyang’s weapon is not necessarily used when performing various actions, but as a symbol.
- Heritage
This weapon is also used as a protection of weapons when waging war.
- Decoration
Many people in West Java province still have weapons from the past in their homes that they can display.
How to use the traditional weapons of West Java in Baliunga
In addition to Kuyang, Baliung is one of the past devices from Sunda that has survived to this day. The shape of the object is like an axe, but it already looks a little more modern. In general, its function is almost like an axe, which is the felling of trees of large size.
Thus, this device is not only history like traditional equipment. The Sundanes still preserve it and even use it until entering modern times, as it is now. People 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 strong enough. In this way, the cutting force that it will produce is certainly very high.
You can find the side of the balung with a sharp and rough surface . The long and thick part is then secured so that the bark of the tree to be felled can be scratched. Even trees with hard bark can be scratched with Baliung.
Bandung Museum West Java Traditional Weapons Collection
In different regions of the country, traditional tools used since ancient times have actually been preserved. They are located inside the museum so that the current generation can still use and study them.
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 neatly cared for, so it is very easy for any visitor to see and learn about them.
Various collections of ancient war weapons can be seen exactly on Pakarang Sasusuhan Earth. This museum is located in the Arcamanik KOTA Bandung. In fact, the museum is 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 box with various weapons typical of the province of West Java. There are Keris, Kujang and many others. At the entrance to the second floor, you can see various kinds of objects displayed in a glass cabinet, on the wall, until they are placed on the table.
Surely you will also be surprised when you enter floor number 3. Various types of beggies, kuyangs and daggers are depicted on the floor. The walls on the 3rd floor are almost full of various exhibited weapons. Even the shelves of the owner were made on the basis that the walls were not enough to display weapons.
The younger generation can love culture and homeland through peran and preserve the diversity of traditional amenities. In fact , you can try to use it when the object is actually sold. Keep the traditional weapons of West Java for the good of the nation.