In the past if there was war, ethnic Dayaks in general using their trademark weapons,”Mandau”.”Mandau” is an heirloom that generations used by the Dayak tribes and regarded as a sacred object. Besides being used at the time of the battle Mandau is also commonly used by the Dayak tribes to accompany them in performing their daily activities, such as slashing or cutting meat, herbs, or other objects that need to be cut.

Usually the layman will often confusion between “Mandau” and “Ambang”. Lay people or people who are not accustomed to seeing or even holding the saber will be difficult to distinguish between “Mandau” with  “Ambang” because when viewed in plain view is both about the same. However, both are very different. But if we look in more detail later on it will show a very significant difference, ie there are carvings on the Mandau or the encrusted gold, copper, or silver and Mandau more powerful and flexible, because the saber made of mountain stone containing iron and processed by an expert. While the ambang is only made of ordinary iron. (more…)

Called weapons of the people of Aceh, in addition to guns and firearms, the most famous is Rencong. In fact, one of Aceh’s land title is also known as the “Land of  Rencong.”

Rencong or reuncong some are called, are traditional weapons of the people of Aceh. Aceh has the form of Rencong like letter [L] or more precisely like calligraphy mention the name. Rencong included in the category of dagger or knife .

Historically, rencong have levels. First, rencong used by the king or sultan. Rencong is usually made of ivory (sheath) and pure gold (the dagger). Second, the sheath rencong rencong-usual made of buffalo horn or wood, while the dagger of brass or white metal. In general, there are four types of weapons rencong which became the mainstay of society in Aceh. (more…)