Alamang

For the fermented shrimp paste in the Philippines, see Bagoong.
Alamang

An illustration of an Alamang.
Type Sword
Place of origin Sulawesi, Indonesia
Service history
Used by Bugis people, Makassarese people
Specifications
Length 74 cm
Blade type Single edge, flat grind
Hilt type Wood, buffalo horn
Scabbard/sheath Wood

Alamang (in Bugis language, sometimes Halamang or Lamang)[1] or Sonri (in Makassarese language) is a sacred sword or cutlass of the Bugis and Makassarese people in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Description

A sword with a flattened, heavy and deeply indented hilt. The blade's edge and back are straight and parallel. The back curves towards the edge at the point. The Alamang has a straight, plain scabbard with sometimes a small foot. The scabbard's mouth is somewhat broadened.[2]

Cultural

The Alamang is a symbol of sovereignty, prosperity, and dignity of a kingdom. It is said that in the past the king would not leave his kingdom without his Alamang. As it is considered as the greatness of the kingdom, certainly the Alamang is very exclusive. Nobody including the empu (Kris maker) or blacksmith that have sworn, are allowed to make copies the Alamang for it is the weapon of the king. Those who failed to abide by this law were executed.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Richard James Wilkinson (1985). Classic Jawi-Malay-English Dictionary. Penerbit Baharudinjoha. ASIN B0000D7LO6.
  2. ↑ Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. ISBN 9-0545-0004-2.
  3. ↑ "Senjata Tradisional Nusantara". Retrieved 20 June 2014.

Further reading

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