Traditional Weapons Of Borneo Saber

Borneo is one of five major islands in Indonesia. Actually the island is not only a "place of origin" Dayak people simply because there is Banjar (South Kalimantan) and the Malays. Among Dayaks themselves, each other to foster develop its own culture. However, one other familiar with or have special weapons Dayak called saber. In everyday life these weapons can not be separated from their owners. That is, wherever the owner went saber will always be taken for functioning as a symbol of honor or identity.
Saber anciently considered to have magical elements and only used in certain rituals such as war, headhunting, traditional dance equipment, and supplies the ceremony.
Mandau believed to have levels of efficacy or supernatural powers. The power of his magic was not only from the drafting process through certain rituals, but also in the tradition of headhunting (beheading opponents). When it was (before the 20th century) was getting a lot of people who successfully kayau, the saber he uses the more powerful. Usually used to decorate her hair partially up the saber. They believe that people who die in-kayau, his spirit will inhabit the saber so that it becomes powerful. However, the current saber function has changed, ie as objects of art and culture, souvenirs, collectibles and weapons for hunting, pruning shrubs and farming.
Mandau Structure
1. Blade Mandau
Saber blades are made of wrought iron plates shaped like a flat-long machetes and pointed (like beak notched flat-top). One side of the sharpened blade sharp eye, while the other side is left a little thick and blunt. There are several types of materials that can be used to make the saber, namely iron montallat, matikei iron, and steel are taken from a car, chainsaw blades, discs vehicles, and others. That said, most good quality saber is made from melted rock that specifically so that the iron is very strong and sharp and was given a touch of gold jewelry, silver, or copper. This type of saber made only by certain people.
Preparation begins with the saber blades make charcoal fire in a furnace for iron memuaikan. Wood used for making charcoal is ironwood because it can produce a higher heat than other wood species. After the wood becomes charcoal, the iron that will be placed above the coals saber blades are so swollen. Then, using a hammer forged.
Forging is done repeatedly until getting the desired shape saber blades. After the blade is formed, the next step is to create a decorative form of grooves and serrations on the eyes as well the holes saber on saber blades. That said, the number of holes on a saber represent the number of victims who never got the saber cut down. How to create a decoration similar to how to make saber blades, namely memuaikan and with hammers repeatedly to obtain the desired shape. Only then smoothened using the saber blade grinder.
2. Handle (Upper Mandau)
Receiver (upstream saber) is made of deer horn, carved to resemble a bird's head. The entire surface of the handle was carved with various motifs like the dragon's head, beak, birds, spirals, and hooks. At the end of the handle there is also an ornate form of animal fur or human hair. The shape and carvings on the handle of this saber saber can distinguish place of origin is made, the tribe, and the social status of its owner.
3. Gloves Mandau
Gloves saber (kumpang) usually made of thin wood plates. The top coated with a bone-shaped bracelet. The middle and bottom of the wound with rattan webbing clamp amplifier. As a garnish, usually placed baliang bird feathers, the bird asked, beads and sometimes also stuffed mascot. In addition, the saber is also equipped with a small knife sheath leather bound and attached to the glove side of the waist strap of plaited rattan.
Cultural Values
Making saber, if examined carefully contain the values that can be used as a reference in everyday life for the community supporters. These values include beauty (art), persistence, meticulousness, and patience. Values reflected the beauty of the forms of saber made in such a way that radiates beauty. Meanwhile, the value of perseverance, precision, and patience is reflected from the drafting process that requires patience, precision, and patience. Without these values may not be materialized a beautiful saber.
Talawang
Talawang is a tool used by the Dayak tribes for self-defense or protecting themselves from enemy attack.
Talawang made of lightweight but strong wood. Elongated hexagon shape with a size of approximately one meter long and 0.5 meters wide, roughly estimated to cover the human chest to fend off saber or spear an enemy when a fight broke out in the war. The entire front area talawang usually carved masks (hudo), flames, and the double gyre.
In addition to self-defense as a complementary tool, talawang also used as a complement to the dance.