Ritual object

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265"492. Wooden sword - "Walida"A hitting weapon with a similar form to that of the kalewang, of hard palm wood which every woman has at her side while she is weaving. Not only to keep the evil spirits away when she is alone, but also - and perhaps more importantly - to keep away eager suitors. The Buginese women are very concerned to maintain their good reputations and they know how to parry every bold, unwanted approach with this weapon in the hand. Only when they wish such an approach, then the walida remains on the floor, and they understand, just like their European sisters, how to allow gallant men to come closer while still keeping their good names."Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 121). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller