Sword

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"117 - 118. Sword - "Kalewang"These two cutting/hitting weapons show the typical form of the frightening kalewangs, exhaustively described above; they are the most used in Aceh. The kalewang is always carried by the Acehnese without a sheath and is their constant companion. They always carry it free in their hand, never hidden in their belt, always ready to strike a blow. The blades of these two kalewangs are not of particularly good quality, also small. Large heavy weapons made of the finest steel, with valuable sheaths were also made. The hilts are simple, carved from black buffalo horn and also, as is the case with nearly all cutting/hitting weapons, the hilts are bent at a blunt angle away from the cutting edge of the blade."Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 27). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller