Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

A. G. Maisey · 25th August 2022, 08:16 AM

I do not know precise etiquette way, way back, nor for every kraton,but thinking in terms of second half 19th century through to today, and the Surakarta Karaton, swords, ie, pedang, were legitimate for certain people depending on rank & circumstance.

Tombak, ie, spears were used by guards.

Wedung were required dress for members of the court who were bupati (regent) and above. The wearing of the wedung symbolised the willingness of the wearer to cut a way through the jungle for his (or her) lord. Yes, women of higher rank were also required to wear them.

The "functionality" of the keris as a weapon has been questioned for many years, there were some quite heated debates about this between British keris scholars. Its a bit of a pointless argument really, it comes down to the proficiency of the user. The keris, used by a trained practitioner is just as efficient as any other edged weapon.

25th August 2022, 08:16 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,991	I do not know precise etiquette way, way back, nor for every kraton,but thinking in terms of second half 19th century through to today, and the Surakarta Karaton, swords, ie, pedang, were legitimate for certain people depending on rank & circumstance. Tombak, ie, spears were used by guards. Wedung were required dress for members of the court who were bupati (regent) and above. The wearing of the wedung symbolised the willingness of the wearer to cut a way through the jungle for his (or her) lord. Yes, women of higher rank were also required to wear them. The "functionality" of the keris as a weapon has been questioned for many years, there were some quite heated debates about this between British keris scholars. Its a bit of a pointless argument really, it comes down to the proficiency of the user. The keris, used by a trained practitioner is just as efficient as any other edged weapon.