| Surik | |
|---|---|
 A surik fromMaubisse,East Timor. | |
| Type | Sword |
| Place of origin | Indonesia (West Timor,Nusa Tenggara,Jambi,North Sumatra,West Sumatra) andTimor Leste |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Timorese,Batak |
| Specifications | |
| Blade type | Single edge |
| Hilt type | Water buffalo horn |
| Scabbard/sheath | Wood |
Thesurik is a traditional sword native to the island ofTimor (West Timor,Indonesia andTimor Leste) orNusa Tenggara in wider extent, as well asSumatra (Jambi,North Sumatra,West Sumatra). The firstcoat of arms of East Timor depicted crossed suriks.
The surik has a single edge blade. The width of the blade narrows from the base down to the tip. Most of the handle is made from horn, and is decorated with tassels to look tough. Goat's hair or horse's hair is attached to the handle. Carving an eye at the center of the handle is meant to strengthen its supernatural power. The sheath of this sword is made of wood.
A surik sword used along with a long curved shield is calledsurik samara.[1]
For theBelu people ofNusa Tenggara, thesurik is considered as a sacred sword. Its supposed supernatural abilities depend on the person who wield the sword; it is believed by the people that no commoner can touch thesurik, or the else the sword would turn against that person. Because of that, the community will take counsel to determine who should wield thesurik before going to war.
Thesurik is also used in traditional dance inTimor island calledTari Surik Laleok, which is meant to portray the local warrior's customs.suriks were also worn by theMeos, the foremost fighters, and usually also the most successful head-hunters of the village.[2]
In cases where a dispute is to be settled between two parties in places likeMaubara andErmera,East Timor are known asnahe no lulun biti (to open and close the mat) ortula mesa leten (to put on the table). Once it is decided which party are at fault, a form of compensation is made by a payment of money or valuable objects; and thesurik in this case is also accepted.[3]
Surik also refers to another sword used by theBatak people ofNorth Sumatra, as well in other provinces such asWest Sumatra andJambi inIndonesia.
Indonesian traditional weapons, armors, and premodern gunpowder-based weapons | ||||||||||||||||||||
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