Listed here are theweapons ofpencak silat. The most common are themachete,staff,kris,sickle,spear, andkerambit. Because Southeast Asian society was traditionally based around agriculture, many of these weapons were originally farming tools.
A chopper or cleaver originating from Sumatra and Java which, like a machete, is used to cut through overgrowth. They may be curved or straight and range in size from small handheld knives to the length of a sword. They often have curved handles that extend to protect part of the hand, but not always. Because they are so widely available, parang are one of the most popular weapons insilat. A variant of the parang is thegolok, which is one of the main weapons inWest Javanese styles. The golok blade is heaviest in the centre and ranges in length from 10 to 20 in (250 to 510 mm).
A sickle originally employed when harvesting crops. It may be paired and was historically one of the most popular weapons among commoners. It was and still is the main weapon of silat exponents fromMadura inEast Java where it is known asarit. The arit has several forms and is typically longer than in other parts of Java. The sickle is difficult to defend against and is considered particularly effective when paired with a knife. It can be wielded on its own but is also commonly paired. They tend to have thicker blades than other sickles.
The kerambit (kurambik in theMinangkabau language) is a narrow-bladed curved weapon resembling the claw of big cats. It is known in some dialects askuku macan or "tiger claw". The kerambit is held by inserting the first finger into the hole in the handle, so that the blade curves from the bottom of the fist. Although usually wielded singly they may also be paired. Not only are they difficult to disarm, the kerambit is also easily hidden on account of its compact size. This concealability was the main reason for the weapon's fame. The kerambit was often regarded as a lady's weapon because women would tie them into their hair.
Pisau refers to a short-bladed knife of any shape, although it can also be used to mean sword. It comes from theChinese termbishou orpengsau and is used in some form in every style of silat. The wooden sheaths of most edged weapons can be used for blocking, parrying or striking.
The kris or keris is a type of dagger, often with a pistol-gripped handle. Traditionally worn as a status symbol and carried by warriors for when they lost their main weapon in battle, today it is the main weapon of many silat styles in Indonesia. The kris is characterised by its distinctive wavy blade, but originally most of them were straight. The blade is given its characteristic shape by folding different types of metal together and then washing it in acid. Keris were said to be infused with venom during their forging but the method of doing this was a closely guarded secret among blacksmiths. The kris is usually wielded on its own but it can also be paired.
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The rencong or renchong is a pistol-gripped knife fromAceh. The blade is straight but with a slight curve. In terms of social stature, the rencong inAceh is comparable to thekris inMalay andJavanese culture.
The tumbuk lada (ortumbuak lado in theMinangkabau language) is a Minang blade from West Sumatra. Literally meaning "pepper crusher", it is similar to the Acehnese rencong except that the handle is not bent and is traditionally adorned with a parrot head figure. The blade is thick, flat, and double-edged. The tumbuk lada is sometimes called alading but this term properly refers to a knife made from an old spearhead. Both weapons have blades ranging from 8 to 16 in (200 to 410 mm).
The badik or badek is a small, straight knife originating among theMakasar andBugis people. They may be double or single-edged and range in length from twenty to forty centimetres.
A curved blade originating inWest Java, it is a characteristic weapon of theSunda styles of silat. It is considered to be of spiritual significance by the Sundanese people and is even featured on the West Javan flag.
Pedang is a general term for sword but occasionally refers to a scythe as well. According to theSanghyang siksakanda ng karesian canto XVII dated 1518, the sword and kris were the main weapons of thekesatria caste. Southeast Asian swords can differ considerably from one community to another but they are generally made for one-handed use. Varieties include thepedang jenawi or longsword, thegedubang orAcehnese sabre, and the long-handleddap. The Indian-style sword was used in the region as early as the 4th century, as can be seen in bas-reliefs of Javanese temples. Some are straight while others have a "bent" curve. The Hindu goddessesDurga andManjusri are typically depicted carrying swords in Javanese art. Sumatran broadswords are based on those of China. Swords on theMalay Peninsula are usually one-edged with a slight curve, resembling theBurmese dha and the Thai sword used inkrabi-krabong.
The kelewang or klewang is a single-edge Indonesian longsword, usually worn without a sheathe. Blades range from 15 to 30 in (380 to 760 mm) in length and may be straight or slightly curved.
The sundang is a sword created by theBugis people ofSulawesi. As with thekris, the sundang usually features a wavy blade, but straight-bladed specimens also exist.
The sakin or sokin is a slender thrusting knife with a straight blade. A related weapon, the sewar, has the same appearance except that the blade is curved. In 1800, the traveller Charles Campbell wrote that the inhabitants aroundMount Kerinci andSiak Sri Indrapura all carried sewar at their sides. Both the sakin and sewar were the preferred weapons of Minang assassins.
The chipan (also spelledcipan orjipan) is a battle-axe, the weaponised form of the domestickapak (axe) orbeliong (hatchet). Two are sometimes wielded at once, with one in each hand. While the kapak and beliong were originally designed for cutting wood or chopping down trees, they could be improvised as chipan if needed.
Kapak Siam literally means "Siamese axe". Its shape is that of a small axe with a sharp curved handle. Created in thePattani province ofThailand, the weapon is said to have originally been used for cutting open betel nuts. Unique to the Pattani-Kelantan region between Malaysia and Thailand, the kapak Siam is primarily a throwing weapon and only used in close as a last resort. The handle is often attached to a string so it can be pulled back after being thrown.
Tongkat literally means walking stick. In silat, it refers to any short stick or club. It is mostly interchangeable with the words toyak, gada, belantan or tembong. Sticks are also commonly calledkayu which literally means wood. Depending on its shape, the handle of a tongkat may be used to sweep an opponent or catch their weapon. The techniques used with the stick could also be applied to similar objects for the purpose of self-defense. Most notable among these is theseruling or flute played duringsilat demonstrations as well as other cultural performances. The short stick is often wielded in pairs (tongkat ganda).
The cakeram is a steel disc which can be either thrown from a distance or wielded in close like the Chinesewind and fire wheels. Originally from India, the cakeram may be flat and sharp-edged or torus-like. The latter form is typically paired and referred to as "steel wheels" (gelang besi).
Topang literally means crutch. Traditional crutches in Southeast Asia were made up of a stick with a perpendicular handle attached about one third of the length down. The weaponized form is shorter, measuring only the length of a forearm. Traditionally made from bamboo or wood, they may also be constructed from steel. The most common form of the topang is thepancawangan sakti which is made of bamboo and has a 5 in (130 mm) blade protruding from inside the shaft. Originating in northern Malaysia where it is most prevalent, several versions of the weapon exist. What is believed to be the earliest form consists of a rectangular slab of wood strapped to the fighter's forearm with rope, combined with a handle. Unlike its current form which is usually paired, this weapon was used defensively like a shield, and was typically used either on its own or with a sword. A modern variant known as thesegu is entirely metal. The version used by law enforcement officers is calledkayu-T, literally meaning "T-stick".
A whip or riding crop. They may be made fromrattan,bamboo, plant fibers,animal hide orleather.
The sauku is a type of whip. This form of whip may also be called ekor pari, literally meaningstingray's tail, but this often refers specifically to thecat o' nine tails. The sauku was carried by wrapping it around the waist underneath the sarong.
Literally meaning "double-stick", the liangcat consists of a pair of sticks connected by a short chain or occasionally rope.[citation needed] The sticks are traditionally made of wood but some versions may be constructed from steel.[citation needed] Said to have been based on an indigenous Southeast Asian rice flail, the liangcat in its weaponized form is generally believed to be a Chinese innovation.[citation needed] The primary offensive technique is the swing, although thrusts with the handles are also possible.[citation needed] Grips and locks may be used to immobilise or disarm the opponent. The liangcat is generally used on its own so that it can be switched from hand to hand, but it is sometimes wielded in pairs.[citation needed]
The rantai is a chain which can be swung offensively or used to lock and seize opponents. It can sometimes be substituted with a length of rope (tali). A common variant is therantai batangan, literally meaning "stick chain". Originating in China, it consists of several metal rods links together by iron rings. The ends are weighted, each weigh about 2 oz (57 g). One end has a dart used for piercing. Chain whip techniques in silat are the same as the staff, centrifugal force keeping the weapon straight.
A staff, pole or rod.Silat exponents regard it as the most versatile of all weapons. They are typically made ofrattan, but some are made frombamboo or steel. Staves can also be referred to astiang orkayu. The wordgalah refers to the pole used for knocking fruit down from trees or when punting a boat. Another termpedagang (literally meaning trader or merchant) refers to thecarrying pole. The pedagang is traditionally made fromruyung, a type of palm wood. The best pedagang are said to come from theMentawai Islands Regency where the wood is soaked in coconut oil for three years. Staves are usually 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m) in length and 1.5–2 in (38–51 mm) in diameter. A longstaff is calledgalah panjang.
The tombak is a spear while the lembing is a javelin. Both terms are often used interchangeably buttombak actually refers to non-missile weapons which are circular at the base of the blade, rather than spatulate.Lembing can be used for either a spear or javelin. Early spears were made entirely of wood. The steel-tipped spear was one of the main weapons used by soldiers in Southeast Asia, along with the kris, sword and shield. The spear usually has horse-hair attached near the blade. Contrary to the western misconception that it is used to distract opponents, the horse-hair's true purpose is to prevent the enemy's blood from dripping onto the handle. Tombak can vary considerably in length and come in a wide range of blade shapes, often of Chinese derivation.
A trident, the weaponised form of theserampang or three-pronged fishing-spear. A related weapon is thelembing tikam pari or three-barbed spear. Asian mythology links the trident with the supernatural, so it is sometimes calledtongkat sakti or magic staff. The word trisula is sometimes also used when referring to thetekpi or short-handled trident
A primitive spear or javelin constructed from a sharpened stick ofbamboo. The difference between the terms is thatseligi refers to the dart or spear intended for throwing.Sumatrans would make short lances fromnibong or sago-wood. Over a period of days or weeks, the sharpened end would be buried in ashes, steamed, smoked and charred. The finished weapon could be thrown or used hand-to-hand, and was said to be able to pierce armour more efficiently than iron.
The arbir is a type ofglaive measuring about 5 ft (1.5 m) in length. On one end is a single-edged curved blade, while the butt end is spiked. A shallow groove runs along the length of the shaft, in the plane of the blade. The purpose of this groove is to let the wielder know at a touch where the cutting edge of the weapon is located without having to look at the blade.
A hook-spear, sometimes known asgolok chakok. The latter term refers to a hooked staff or billhook, originally used as a boat hook. Similar to the Chinese dichotomy between the spear and broadsword, the kaoliam in silat acts as the counter to thegolok. A related weapon is theangkusa or elephant-goad measuring 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) long with a tip of steel or bronze. Southeast Asian royals and generals would rideelephants either into war or during processions. Every elephant was guarded by one to four handlers, each of whom carried an angkusa.
A pole weapon comparable to the Europeanpike.
Literally meaning "branch", the chabang is an iron truncheon with three prongs. Called chabang[1] inIndonesian and tekpi[2] inMalay, it is generally believed to have been based on the Indian trisula.[3] Chabang are traditionally paired and used defensively. The two outer prongs are used for trapping the weapon or breaking the opponent's weapon. Among silat practitioners, the chabang is known as the king of weapons because of its usefulness when defending against blades.
The kipas is a folding fan usually made ofbamboo, while more combat-worthy fans are constructed from harder wood or iron. Although created in China (where it is known astieshan), the fan is common to manyAsian cultures, as can be seen in traditional Indonesian-Malay dances. As a weapon the fan should be able to open and close easily with one hand, particularly if two are being wielded at once.
The perisai is a shield, typically paired with a spear or javelin. Shields insilat are generally round bucklers made ofrattan. However, the indigenous tribes ofMalaysia andIndonesia commonly wield thejebang, a long hexagonal wooden shield. The Indiandhal (shield) made of steel is used in some parts of the west coast, particularly Aceh.
The chaping (calledcaping in Indonesian andterendak in Malay) is a conical hat often worn by farmers, travellers and others who spend long hours exposed to direct sunlight. In some Indonesian silatforms, the hat is used as a self-defense implement for blocking attacks. It can also be thrown at the opponent as a distraction.
The payung is a traditional umbrella or parasol. Carried for protection from the rain and strong sun, it was a common weapon of self-defense. Umbrella attacks are primarily thrusts with the tip, as any swings with the side of the weapon would be cushioned. In close-quarters, the handle can be used for striking. The umbrella can be used to parry or opened up in front of the opponent, blocking their view of the wielder.
The samping is a wearablesarong usually tied around the waist or draped across one shoulder. Related weapons include thelinso or kerchief, and thechindai orSindhi waist-sash made ofsilk. Students first use it for practicing hand movements but in advanced stages it is applied as a weapon. Samping techniques include locks, grabs and choke-holds. It can also be used to trap the opponent's weapon or attacking limb. The samping is particularly useful against bladed weapons since the wrapped cloth provides some protection from cuts. In many styles, the chindai or samping is among the last weapons taught.
The gandewa is abow though it is more often referred to as abusar orbusur today. The word originates fromGandiva, the legendary bow used byArjuna of theHikayat Pandawa Lima. It was a common hunting weapon even among the region's aboriginal tribes (orang asal), but was later replaced by thesenapang or rifle. The bow is very rarely taught in modern silat schools.
The sumpitan is ablowpipe, a hollowbamboo tube through which poisonous darts (damak) are shot. It is one of the oldest weapons in the region, having been used as a hunting tool byProto-Malays since prehistoric times. The blowpipe is also the most popular long-range weapon insilat and was most often used to kill someone unawares. It typically measures 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) long and is made from two pieces of bamboo, one for the barrel and one for the casing. In close combat, it could be wielded as a stick. In Malaysia, theorang asli (indigenous tribes) are considered the greatest masters of the blowpipe. Tribes such as theIban ofSarawak used a hollow spear which could shoot arrows, thus combining the characteristics of a projectile and hand-to-hand weapon.
Literally meaning spike or nail, the paku is ashuriken-like throwing dart, based on the Chinesepiau orbiu. Early forms were 2–3 in (51–76 mm) long and pointed at both ends. Its small size and double point were intended to make the weapon more difficult for the victim to see or avoid. The newer design is 4–6 in (100–150 mm) long and only pointed at one end, making it much easier to throw. The paku is a hidden weapon, kept concealed in the hand or the garments until ready to be used. It was traditionally only taught to advanced students.
Kiam is theHokkien word for the Chinese jian or jien, a straight double-edge sword. It is one of the oldest known weapons to have been adopted from outsideSoutheast Asia, and is depicted on bas-reliefs inSrivijaya dating back more than one thousand years. Because it is lightweight and easily broken, the jian is hardly ever used for blocking. Instead, the fighter must rely on agility to dodge and avoid attacks. In silat, the Chinese sword can be used singly or in a pair.
Indonesian traditional weapons, armors, and premodern gunpowder-based weapons | ||||||||||||||||||||
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