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The Iban is a group of former headhunters that are native to Borneo. They are sometimes also referred to as Dayak. They form a large population of Sarawak's ethnic groups. The Iban were regarded as a very aggressive group, taking heads and slaves as the fought and pillaged other tribes. Being as aggressive as they are, they have formed their own arts and weapons for combat and self-defense.

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1. Introduction

What are weapons and their correlation to culture?

2. Hakka

Who are the Hakka?

Daai Paa

Video demonstration of Daai Paa

Sai

Video demonstration of Sai

References

3. Iban

Who are the Iban?

Pandat

Pandat Video Demonstration

Mandau

Video about the History of Mandau

References

4. Java

Who are the Java?

Keris

Video demonstration of the Keris

References

5. Minang

Who are the Minang?

Karambit

Kujang

Picture of Minang with a tiger head shaped handle

References

6. Punjabi

Who are the Punjabi?

Katar

Video demonstration of the Katar

Chakram

References

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The Hakka are an ethnic group of Chinese people. Originating from North China, they migrated to South China during the Song Dynasty. The name Hakka may have come from the Cantonese word "Kejia" which means "guest people". Nowadays they have emigrated to many Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Throughout its history, the Hakka had been involved in various skirmishes and utilized many tools and weapons to their advantage as they advance their territory.

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The Hakka moved through a lot of different harsh landscapes and environments. As they advanced through these obstacles, the martial masters acquired a unique mix of skills and weapons from both war and farming.

The Daai Paa, or better known as the Tiger Spear is a trident used by the Hakka for combat and self-defense and is a two-handed weapon. It has also been used to hunt tigers with which is where it gets its name the "Tiger Spear". The Daai Paa is used with its own variation of Kung Fu where the user learns to use the trident elegantly and efficiently.

Characteristics:

Originally, this trident had been used for farming purposes. It could be used for harvesting crops as well as removing dead leaves, hemp and grass.

At the time, the Hakka did not have much in terms of weaponary and technology. So it can be assumed that the Hakka resorted to weaponizing their tools with deadly efficiency and mastering them.

Just like a scythe, a farming tool and become a deadly weapon in the right hands

The Daai Paa is used like a spear and uses a lunging and stabbing technique.

The wound left by the stabs are deep and will cause a lot of bleeding.

The long handle of the Daai Paa allows it to be effective at longer ranges, not requiring the user to get too close.

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The Sai is a weapon commonly seen in a lot of popular cultures of today. They are the signature weapons of Raphael from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise and are sometimes seen in Chinese action movies. These weapons are not merely for show as they can inflict serious damage in the right hands. The Sai have gone through various iterations and changes to become what it is today.

Though the origins of the Sai are not very clear, it is widely believed that the Sai began its path as a farmer's trident and was altered in design to help fend off bandits and invaders. The Tiger Spear is likely to have been the point of origin for the Sai. Its small size even allows for one to wield two Sais at the same time in each hand. Some even say it might have started out as nothing more than hairpins for women that can also double as a weapon for self-defense in ancient times.

Characteristics:

The short handle and short points leads to the wielder having better maneuverability and control of the weapon.

The most effective method of attack with the Sai is stabbing as it can leave a deep puncture wound.

The side prongs act as hand guards, protecting the user's hand should a sharp blade clashing with the Sai slide down the side of the Sai.

If the side prongs are able to pierce the target it could then be used to gouge or claw the opponent.

The Sai is meant for crowd control and one-on-one fights.

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The Pandat is a weapon with a short, heavy and single-edged blade with an iron hilt. It is generally wielded with two hands. It has no real form of handle though a metal rod or bone is usually put through the handle to form a hilt and is used to protect the wielder's hands. Its weight allows it to be effective for downward swings and is able to cause serious damage and might have been used to decapitate members of other tribes.

Characteristics:

The length of the Pandat is around 55-70 cm.

The Pandat is one of the few weapons of the Iban that is made solely for combat and not to be used as a tool.

The Pandat's bent blade is similar to the blade of the Parang Latok which is mainly used as a tool.

It is sometimes decorated with rattan plants and hairs.

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Video explaining and demonstrating the Pandat

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Video explaining and demonstrating the Pandat

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Forged in Fire: TOP 7 WEAPONS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA | History

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The Mandau is a traditional weapon of the Iban. To the Iban, the Mandau is not merely a weapon, but it is a symbol respect and identity of its owner. The Mandau has been inherited and passed down through many generations. Besides being a weapon, it also doubles as a tool for slicing meat, plants and branches. The Mandau has witnessed many battles and skirmishes between many different tribes.

Characteristics:

The Mandau is considered a machete or short sword.

The Mandau consists of a blade, handle and sheathe.

The word "Mandau" actually mean "double knife" because it actually has two blades. A main blade and a smaller knife hidden in the back of the sheathe.

The carvings and decorations put onto the Mandau reflects the status and position of its owner.

Some carvings are even said to be able to ward off evil from disturbing and influencing the weapon's owner.

It is also used in customs rituals. The Mandau is used as a payment or symbolic gift in a wedding.

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Javanese is the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. They are mainly concentrated on the island of Java and have a population of approximately 85 million in the 21st century. Their main religion is Islam, but there have been Hindu influences as well. Historically, the social organization of the Javanese people varied in structure from rural communities to highly advanced societies of the city.

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The Keris is a distinctive and asymmetrical dagger native to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo. The Keris is both a spiritual object and traditional weapon. The Keris is often considered to have spiritual essence bound to it, with some blades possessing good or bad luck.

The blade of the Keris can either be straight or sinuous. The bends on the sinuous blades are called "luks" and most blades usually have fewers than 13 luks. The number of luks is usually odd as even amounts of luks are considered unlucky. The sinuous design has become iconic for Keris due to souvenirs and tourism when in actuality, most old blades have straight blades.

Nowadays, the Keris are worn at special ceremonies such as weddings. Some Keris are also considered heirlooms and are handed down through many different generations. At one point, the Keris was used to perform executions in Malaysia and Borneo. A specialized executioner Keris would be used to pierce the heart of the criminal. This can be observed when reading the story of Mahsuri of Pulau Langkawi, who was wrongly accused of having an affair with her husband and was then executed.

Characteristics:

The Keris consists of a blade, handle and a sheathe.

The blade is usually narrow with a wide and asymmetrical base. The length of the blade however may vary.

The Keris is usually handled like a dagger and used with a stabbing motion for attacking. It is not very effective at slashing.

Sometimes the Keris is dual-wielded with one in each hand.

If a Keris is plunged into an enemy, it can then be twisted around to make the wound larger. The bleeding from the wound will be profuse as a result.

The Keris is especially lethal if the user has stealth on their side.

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A video on the history of the Keris and its usage.

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A video on the history of the Keris and its usage.

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Forged in Fire: TOP 7 WEAPONS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA | History

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The Minangkabau are the largest ethnic group on the island of Sumatera of Indonesia. The Minangkabau have extensive agricultural fields for growing rice, tabacco, cinnamon, and vegetables. Their language closely resembles Malay and belongs to the Austronesian family. In the late 19th century, some Minangkabau migrated to Malaya and formed a small confederation of small states known today as Negeri Sembilan (Nine States). Though they are mostly Muslim, the Minangkabau are matrilineal, tracing descent through the female line.

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The Karambit is a knife originating from Indonesia during the 11th century. With Indonesia's flourishing trade industry at the time, the Karambit quickly spread to other neighboring Asian continents such as Malaysia and Philippines. It quickly developed roots within these Asian continents and different variations of the Karambit are created from the original design.

Though the design is influenced by geographical factors, the general design remains relatively the same. Most Karambits have a curved blade reminiscent of a tiger's claw and a secure grip. Modern Karambits also come with safety ring though it is not certain when the safety ring first became a part of the design though it may have been around the 11-14th century. This safety rings helps to ensure a more proper grip of the handle by sliding a finger into the ring. It also helped improve its performance in combat, making it less likely to fall out of the hands of the user and harder to disarm.

Characteristics:

The Karambit features a curved blade, a handle with a secure grip and a safety ring and sometimes a sheathe.

The Karambit is optimized for ripping and tearing as well as slicing.

The Karambit is a sort of utility tool. Being able to cut materials as well as for hunting. It could be assumed that it was used for hunting and then used to skin and slice the meat of the animal.

In combat, the blade's arc allows for swift and fluid attacks and counters. The user can even change their direction of attack with ease.

The blade's design allows the user to hook and trap their opponents and manipulate the limbs and direction of force of their opponent.

Karambits leave wounds that do not recover well due to the deep and gaping cut it leaves behind.

Karambits have also been used in Pencak Silat.

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The Kujang is a unique knife that originates from South Java. The unique shape of the blade can be linked to many factors such as the patterns of Batik, dolls, or even spiritual symbols. The name Kujang originates from the native Sunda  word "Kudhiyang" which refers to a weapon with hidden powers and can repel bad influences. This weapon is also believed to have spiritual properties like the Keris. The Kujang was used as a multitool. It was used by middle class citizens and were made with materials that were not too costly while the Kujangs of the higher class citizens are made of fancy and expensive materials. In that sense, the Kujang was also a symbol of status.

Characteristics:

The Kujang consists of a blade, handle and sheathe.

The blade is usually curvy and shaped to imitate patterns such as batik patterns or even to imitate a dragon.

The wooden handle and sheathe usually have carvings on them as well. The end of the handles may be carved into animal heads such as a tiger's or eagle's head.

The Kujang is an aesthetic weapon that is shaped and formed into a form of art and beauty.

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The Punjabi are a group of people who originate from Punjab, a state in India. Most Punjabis practice Sikhism as their religion and beliefs. Hinduism makes up largest minority but there are also a large amount of Punjabis who practice Islam. The Punjabis are mainly descendants of Aryan tribes that entered India during the 2nd millennium. Punjabi men are known for their iconic turban that they wear on their head. Punjab produces a lot of India's rice and wheat and is an important contributor. The Punjabi have been a part of various conflicts and wars especially before their independence from the British in 1947.

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The Katar is an interesting weapon originating from India and was mainly wielded by the Sikh. It is a dagger with a design different from the usual everyday dagger. It has a handle in the shape of the letter H and has a triangular sharp double-sided blade on the front. The hilts consist of two parallel arms connected by two or more cross pieces that for a handle for the user.

Just like with most weapons, different variations of the Katar began to appear throughout India. A few additions and changes to the original design adds different effects and combat advantages. One example is the Scissor Katar. With some tweaks, the handle could be squeezed to split open the weapon's main blade in half and reveal a second hidden blade that is sometimes tipped with poison. The blade could be opened when inside an opponent to make a larger wound. A Scissor Katar when opened somewhat resemble claws.

Characteristics:

The Katar is categorized as a punch dagger.

The most effective use it to punch and lunge the blade in the direction of the opponent.

The user should aim for the opponent's chainmail armor and pierce it with the Katar and subsequently wounding them.

The Katar is capable of slashing and swinging attacks as well.

The Katar could be dual-wielded for maximum damage and combat capabilities.

This weapon is most suited to one-on-one confrontations.

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A video explaining and demonstrating the Katar

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A video explaining and demonstrating the Katar

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Forged in Fire: The Hooded Katar Tests (Season 5) | History

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The Chakram is a unique weapon of the Punjabi.  The Chakram is a weapon once mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. It is a throwing ring with a razor sharp edge on the outside that can do serious damage. Some may even have connectors in the middle of the ring that can be used as a handle. In desperate situations the Chakram could be used as a close-range weapon though it may not be very effective. Though the designs may vary aesthetically, the main design of a razor sharp metal ring remains the same.

Characteristics:

The Chakram is a very effective throwing weapon.

The Chakram is very easy to carry and stack due to its flat shape. It can even be stacked on the turbans of the Punjabi and worn around their arms.

If handled correctly it can travel at high speed and travel very far. It is of course more effective at closer distances.

It is mainly made of steel though other metals may also be included for aesthetical purposes or to reinforce the Chakram.

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Monday, 08 September 2008: In a ground-breaking new series, technology and history collide head-on in ten action-packed episodes, where we witness first-hand the power of pivotal world-changing weapons.

Weapon Masters explores the history and science of ten weapons of the ancient world. Hosting the series is internationally known weapons expert and historian, Mike Loades. In each hour-long episode, Mike travels to a different international location to examine one particular ancient weapon and learn first-hand about the cultures where the weapon was used. He is assisted by an expert who demonstrates the techniques behind each weapon. He then challenges his co-host and master craftsman, Chad, to improve upon it using modern manufacturing techniques and materials.

In India, Mike explores the history of the steel quoit weapon used by the Sikhs and known as the Chakram or Chakkar. This ancient Indian projectile weapon inflicts serious damage with its razor sharp cutting edge.

Mike travelled to Punjab to meet with Nidar Singh Nihang, a master swordsman who has spent the last twenty years researching the history, philosophy, and unique warrior traditions of the Akali-Nihang Sikh. With assistance from the Akali-Nihang community in Punjab, Nidar Singh taught Mike the various chakram techniques used in battle by the Akali-Nihangs; "In India I met the Akali Nihangs, a nomadic sect of Sikh warriors, from whom I learned various techniques for throwing the chakram - a razor edged steel battle quoit - both on foot and from horses and elephants!"

"Although it was my first experience with the chakram I managed to throw one 40 yards with no trouble at all. The chakram has an airfoil cross section and you can see it working - it really does fly. And it is surprising how quickly one can become accurate with it at shorter ranges.

Nidar Singh Nihang, an expert in Indian martial arts, demonstrates many different techniques for throwing the 'chakkar', as the chakram is more commonly known in the Punjab. The tajini method of spinning it on the index finger is the most well known but there are other methods, such as bowling it underarm as the warrior approaches an enemy, throwing it on the move or the more powerful diagonal throws from left to right and right to left.

"As well as the different types of throw", said Mike "there are many different types of chakram - from the standard ones around 9 -10 inches in diameter to small bracelet sized ones worn on the forearm and flicked at an enemy's face at close quarters with an action similar to flicking a deck of cards. At the other end of the scale are the large chakrams of two feet diameter, which are worn around the neck. Nidar Singh showed me a technique for deploying these from the second or third ranks behind the front line when engaged in hand-to-hand fighting - they are thrown almost vertically to descend on the heads of the enemy's front line."

Mike also learnt from a traditional Indian blacksmith the techniques of forging the chakram from steel. "I also travelled to Patiala where I met the brothers Harinder and Mohinder Singh who showed me how to make a chakram in a traditional forge."

Back in the US, Chad aimed to better the traditional design and techniques with state-of-the-art materials and a mechanical launch mechanism.

- By Amandeep Singh Madra

- Images courtesy of Kam Singh ( www.flawlessphotos.co.uk)
Schedule for Weapon Masters - Chakram

Discovery Knowledge (UK)

10 September 2008, 18:00:00
11 September 2008, 08:00:00
11 September 2008, 13:00:00
13 September 2008, 17:00:00

Discovery Military Channel (US)

Schedule not yet published.
See http://military.discovery.com/tv/weapon-masters/weapon-masters.html for updates.

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Weapon Masters: The Deadly Chakram | SikhNet

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Monday, 08 September 2008: In a ground-breaking new series, technology and history collide head-on in ten action-packed episodes, where we witness first-hand the power of pivotal world-changing weapons. Weapon Masters explores the history and science of ten weapons of the ancient world. Hosting the series is internationally known weapons expert and historian, Mike Loades.

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What are weapons and their correlation to culture?

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What are weapons and their correlation to culture?

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According the Oxford Dictionary, a weapon can be defined as an object such as a knife, gun, bomb, etc. that is used for fighting or attacking somebody.

Since the dawn of time, man had been constantly drawn to conflict and war. Even during the stone ages the cavemen created clubs and spears for hunting and asserting dominance over each other. As time passes various cultures are formed all around the globe and most of these cultures begin forging their own weapons and even inheriting some from other cultures.

Nowadays, a lot of these weapons have become a traditional symbol and are implemented into their lives such as in ceremonies, martial arts, rituals and as decorations. Though they do not serve as much purpose as they once did, their history remains intact for the future generation to witness and learn about.

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Video demonstrating the ways the Sai could be used.

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Video demonstrating the ways the Sai could be used.

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SAI WEAPON : HOW TO USE (with cool grip changing method)

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Obscure Weapons from History: Dayak Mandau HEAD HUNTER Sword

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Example of Kujang with a tiger head shaped handle.

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Example of Kujang with a tiger head shaped handle.

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Video demonstrating various Chakram Techniques

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Video demonstrating various Chakram Techniques

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Name: Muhammad Nur Nazhiim bin Abdul Razak
Student ID: 2022844856

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Obscure Weapons from History: Dayak Mandau HEAD HUNTER Sword

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