Various traditional West Javanese weapons unique and must be preserved
Getting to know 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 nation’s young men and women can know different kinds of homeland cultures to be better preserved.
So the cultural heritage will not fade to posterity later. In reality, Indonesia is actually a country rich in culture. Not only traditional weapons, but also many folk songs, traditional clothing, for traditional houses and until now have been preserved for the benefit of the nation.
5 traditional weapons of West Java
West Java province, which is part of Java Island, has a number of unique items that are truly charming. You can find a variety of unique old-fashioned equipment that will amaze you from time to time. Previously, these weapons were used to carry out labor activities.
Residents of West Java province use it for a variety of purposes ranging from hunting, farming to as a tool to protect themselves. Nevertheless, times are constantly evolving. Traditional weapons are no longer used in everyday life. Its existence was then preserved and is now kept in various museums.
Some types of traditional West Javanese weapons are also still owned by the Sundanese people. The varieties that you can recognize until the modern era are here.
- Bedog
Bedog is a knife-like weapon. The size of this thing seems quite large. Most of the residents of the island of Java must be familiar with Bedog. It reaches 40 cm in size and is made of steel and iron. Steel and iron are then smoothed and piped by forging.
- Crab
Among the population 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 hand-held wood on the other. This tool is used to harvestvegetables from kangkung. This equipment is also used to harvest rice.
- Congkrang
This weapon , at first glance, looks like a pickaxe. The size is easier to grip with your hand. Usually this tool is used in plantations for agriculture. Congkrang is more commonly used by women. Meanwhile, men use hoes more often .
- Sulimat
West Java province is actually very rich in weapon diversity. Sulimat is an object for peeling coconuts from the skin. The leaf is pointed and sharp, so it can be used to peel off such a hard scalp.
- Gold
The existence of this thing can be quite popular in different regions. This thing is used to carry out daily activities. The leaf is sharply curved, and the shape is crescent-like. Its presence is used for pruning shrubs and grass.
Features of West Java Kujang traditional weapons and their types
Until now, you must have known a number of previous equipment from different regions, including from West Java province. Namun actually, what are the benefits? There are various benefits that can be used.
One of the traditional weapons of West Java is the Kujang. You must be familiar with this one thing. As it turned out, the types are quite varied. Each type has a different function. Here are some features and types.
Kujang Became a typical Sundanese type of tool. The Sundanese people even believed that objects contain magical and sacral. Therefore, they refer to it as Hyang or Kudi, which is an ancient language.
They believe that Kudi or Hyang have supernatural powers. In the ancient Sundanese language, Hyang is interpreted as a God. Therefore, Kujang is considered to have power , where power comes from the gods.
Their sizes vary. Some are 20 cm and some are 25 cm . This thing is used by men. Historians to scientists conduct research. The results are amazing. They say that the weapon was used in the 8th century. Until now, the traditional West Javanese weapon has various features such as:
- Agricultural implements
Some Sundanese use Kujang for agriculture. They also use it to spread to prune wild herbs.
- Symbol
Kujang’s weapon is also not necessarily used to carry out various activities, but as a symbol.
- Heirloom
This weapon is also used as protection against weapons in the context of warfare.
- Decoration
Many people in West Java province until now have weapons from the past to display in their homes.
How to use traditional West Java weapons in Baliung
In addition to Kujang, Baliung is one of the former equipment from Sunda that is still preserved today. The shape of the object is like an ax, but it already looks a little more modern. Its function is almost like an ax in general, which is to cut down trees of a large size.
So this equipment is not only history as traditional equipment . The Sundanese people still preserve and use it until they enter modern times as now. The 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, at first glance the handle of this thing looks quite thick. If it is lifted quite forcefully. In this way, the cutting force it will produce is certainly very high.
You can find the side of the balung with a sharp and thick surface. The long and thick part is then ensured to be able to scratch the bark of the tree to be felled. Even trees with hard bark can be scratched with the help of Baliung.
Bandung Museum West Java traditional våbensamling
In fact, in different regions of the country, traditional utensils used since antiquity continue to be 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 the Sunda. The collection is many and amazing. They are nicely cared for, so it is very easy for any visitor to see and learn about them.
You can see various collections of ancient weapons of war precisely on Pakarang Sasusuhan Earth. This museum is located in Arcamanik KOTA Bandung. The museum is actually owned by Gun Gun Gurnadi. In addition to being used as a museum , he used it as a residence.
On the first floor you can find a glass cabinet with a variety of weapons typical of West Java province. There are Keris, Kujang and many more. When you enter the second floor, you can see various kinds of objects displayed in the glass cabinet on the wall until they are placed on the table.
You will surely also be surprised when you enter the number 3 floor. On the floor appear various kinds of bedogs, kujang and daggers. The walls of the 3rd floor are almost full of various weapons on display. Even the shelves of the owner were made on the grounds that the walls were not enough to display weapons.
The younger generation can love the culture and the motherland through the peran and preserve the diversity of traditional equipment. In fact, you can try to use it when the object is actually sold. Preserve the traditional weapons of West Java for the benefit of the nation.