| Golok | |
|---|---|
 A traditional Indonesian golok | |
| Type | Machete |
| Place of origin | Malay Archipelago region |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Austronesian people |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 25–50 cm (9.8–19.7 in) |
| Blade type | Single edge, convex grind |
| Hilt type | Water buffalo horn, wood |
| Scabbard/sheath | Water buffalo horn, wood |
Agolok is a cutting tool, similar to amachete, that comes in many variations and is found throughout theMalay Archipelago.[1] It is used as an agricultural tool as well as a weapon. The wordgolok (sometimes misspelled in English as "gollock") is used inIndonesia andMalaysia. Both in Malaysia and in Indonesia, the term is usually interchangeable with the longer and broaderparang.[2][3] In theSundanese region ofWest Java it is known asbedog. In thePhilippines, the termgulok (also known asgunong), refers to different dagger weapons including thekris.[4]
In Indonesia, the golok is often associated with theSundanese andBetawi people. The Betawi recognize two types of golok;gablongan orbendo is the domestic tool used in the kitchen or field for agricultural purposes, and thegolok simpenan orsorenam that is used for self-protection and traditionally always carried by Betawi men.[5] The golok is a symbol of masculinity and bravery in Betawi culture. Ajawara (local strongman or village champion) will always have a golok hung or tied around the waist at the hips. This custom, however, has ceased to exist since the 1970s, when authorities would apprehend those that carry the golok publicly and have it confiscated in order to uphold security, law and order, and to reduce gang fighting.[6]
Sundanese, Javanese[7][8] and Malay goloks have also been recorded. The use ofgolok in Sundanese was recorded inSanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian (text dated 1518) and in Malay was recorded as early as theHikayat Hang Tuah[9] (text dated 1700)[10] andSejarah Melayu (1612),[11]
Sizes and weights vary, as does blade shape, but the typical length is 25–50 cm (9.8–19.7 in). Goloks tend to be heavier and shorter than parangs or common machetes, typically being used for bush and branch cutting.[12] Most traditional goloks use a convex edge or an edgewise taper, where the blade is less likely to get stuck ingreen wood than flat edged machetes. The blade is heaviest in the centre and flows away in a curve to a sharp point at the tip.
Goloks are traditionally made with aspringycarbon steel blade of a softertemper than that of other large knives. This makes them easier to dress and sharpen in the field, but it also requires more frequent attention. Although many manufacturers produce factory-made goloks, there are still handmade productions that are widely and actively made in Indonesia.
The golok style is noted for being the pattern forBritish Army-issue machetes used since the early 1950s.[13]
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Indonesian traditional weapons, armors, and premodern gunpowder-based weapons | ||||||||||||||||||||
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