A Very Hefty Parang Lotok

CharlesS · 3rd June 2010, 10:12 PM

This is the most heavy parang lotok I have ever handled....to the point of being downright uncomfortable to weld. It is a beautiful example with nice, crisp lines. The hilt is horn with a decorated silver sleeve. The fact that the forte is nearly a full inch thick speaks volumes regarding its heft!!

Royston · 6th June 2010, 08:50 PM

Charles,

This is very nice.

I am most upset that you find it uncomfortable to handle. To alleviate the discomfort I suggest you send it straight to me

Regards

Roy

Maurice · 6th June 2010, 09:40 PM

A wonderfull piece!

I like thick blades, cause they will do their duty for what they are made for.
I also like the beautifull silverwork and scabbard.

Maurice

Battara · 7th June 2010, 02:20 AM

Is this the one you got at Timonium?

Yes I too love the silver work.

Lew · 7th June 2010, 12:25 PM

Charles

Were these combat weapons or just used for removing heads? They seem a bit awkward to use?

Lew

CharlesS · 7th June 2010, 03:41 PM

Yes Battara, it's the one from Timonium.

Lew, my impression from Stone(though I do not have a copy with me at the moment) is that these are as much utilitarian as exclusively weapons.

I don't think I have ever seen an old photo with a Dayak carring either one of these or a parang pandit....would love to see them in some old photos.

Royston · 7th June 2010, 06:27 PM

Charles

Shelford claims that these were largely for agricultural use.
This one must have been for a very rich farmer!

I have never seen one been carried or used in any of the old photos either.

Regards
Roy

asomotif · 7th June 2010, 11:42 PM

Here is a picture from Mjoeberg / Borneo that I just sold on the swap.
The 2nd from the left is carrying a parang latok imho.

Also intersting the 2 guys on the right are carying very rare betelnut/sirih knifes.

CharlesS · 9th June 2010, 03:06 PM

A great pic...the first I have seen that even suggested a latok or pandit type.

VVV · 9th June 2010, 05:34 PM

Your latok is probably Melanau, not Land dayak, based on the blade thickness, silver, motifs etc.
Here is another picture with what looks more like a buko.

Michael

PS I don't understand why the picture gets turned when I upload it?

Sajen · 9th June 2010, 07:17 PM

Hope it works!

Maurice · 14th August 2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I don't think I have ever seen an old photo with a Dayak carring either one of these or a parang pandit....would love to see them in some old photos.

Charles, I recently found this fine image!
It looks like the same guy/boy in the photo that Michael showed earlier.

Battara · 15th August 2011, 12:10 AM

Great picture Maurice! Still trying to figure out how they wielded the parang latok.

KuKulzA28 · 15th August 2011, 07:22 AM

I think you use it similarly to any type of long blade that has a backwards curve. The way the latok bends back is similar to how sabers and parangs tend to curve backwards, making a saber cut or a draw cut (or whatever) much easier to do. As the blade comes down, the geometry of it makes it easy to slide the blade edge at the same time. Thus proper form makes for a strike that has the percussion and momentum of the chop, and the sliding-through affect of the slice. Makes for a really wicked slash/cut. However, it is interesting that the Parang Latok seems so crudely built for this purpose, rather than curving to help achieve an excellent slicing geometry, it is simply bent back - like the Parang Pendat. It must be a little awkward to chop at something low to the ground (unless you adapt your posture and handling to the unique character of the Latok)...

Maybe it is also safer in some ways because of the longer blunt area just beyond the handle offers more room for your hand when doing precision chopping and the bend makes it harder for your hand to slip right onto the blade (unlike many other machetes and parangs). Also, because of the bend back, maybe it is also safer because it is harder to chop your own leg! You have no idea, I've had at least 3 or 4 close calls when out in the forest with a parang, golok, or machete and ALMOST chopping into my leg. Using such efficient tools/weapons is an exercise in focus.

They still use this style today... I saw these pictures on a website (not sure if I am allowed to link to it... ?) But yeah, the website/owner gets the credit. Just google "bidayuh cutting tools in semban" and you'll find the website.

Dayakman · 17th May 2014, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maurice

Charles, I recently found this fine image!
It looks like the same guy/boy in the photo that Michael showed earlier.

That is a Land dayak (bidayuh) Basket.

Dayakman · 17th May 2014, 08:43 AM

That is for sure a Land Dayak (Bidayuh) Basket he is carrying.

drac2k · 17th May 2014, 03:41 PM

Wonderful piece ; I like big chopping type blades.This sword is much too ornate for farm work ; also if one is swinging a farm implement all day long, they try to make the tool lighter, not heavier, as the 1 " thickness at the spine would indicate to the contrary .I think this sword belonged to an important man.
In regards to the shape of the weapon, could it originally have been designed to administer justice in the old "Sumerian code,if you steal, you lose a hand ?" The angle seems perfect for severing a prone,outstretched limb.The Germans of Old had "Justice Swords," for such purposes.

manteris1 · 17th May 2014, 09:11 PM

I have always liked thick blades .................jimmy

Robert · 18th May 2014, 06:00 AM

Could this have possibly been used for slaughtering purposes at festivals or other important gatherings? One good swing with this I imagine would remove the head of a water buffalo quite effectively.

My congratulations to you Charles, wonderful workmanship and still retaining the original scabbard, this is an absolutely stunning piece.

Best,
Robert

VANDOO · 18th May 2014, 07:22 AM

I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THESE LARGE HEAVY EXAMPLES THEY KIND REMIND ME OF THE DAYAK VERSION OF THE MORO PANABAS AND MAY HAVE SERVED THE SAME PURPOSES. CONGRADULATIONS ON A TOP QUALITY EXAMPLE OF THE LARGE HEAVY FORM.

3rd June 2010, 10:12 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	A Very Hefty Parang Lotok This is the most heavy parang lotok I have ever handled....to the point of being downright uncomfortable to weld. It is a beautiful example with nice, crisp lines. The hilt is horn with a decorated silver sleeve. The fact that the forte is nearly a full inch thick speaks volumes regarding its heft!! Attached Images

7th June 2010, 11:42 PM	#8
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Here is a picture from Mjoeberg / Borneo that I just sold on the swap. The 2nd from the left is carrying a parang latok imho. Also intersting the 2 guys on the right are carying very rare betelnut/sirih knifes. Attached Images Last edited by asomotif; 8th June 2010 at 01:16 PM.

9th June 2010, 05:34 PM	#10
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Your latok is probably Melanau, not Land dayak, based on the blade thickness, silver, motifs etc. Here is another picture with what looks more like a buko. Michael PS I don't understand why the picture gets turned when I upload it? Attached Images

9th June 2010, 07:17 PM	#11
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hope it works! Attached Images

15th August 2011, 07:22 AM	#14
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731	I think you use it similarly to any type of long blade that has a backwards curve. The way the latok bends back is similar to how sabers and parangs tend to curve backwards, making a saber cut or a draw cut (or whatever) much easier to do. As the blade comes down, the geometry of it makes it easy to slide the blade edge at the same time. Thus proper form makes for a strike that has the percussion and momentum of the chop, and the sliding-through affect of the slice. Makes for a really wicked slash/cut. However, it is interesting that the Parang Latok seems so crudely built for this purpose, rather than curving to help achieve an excellent slicing geometry, it is simply bent back - like the Parang Pendat. It must be a little awkward to chop at something low to the ground (unless you adapt your posture and handling to the unique character of the Latok)... Maybe it is also safer in some ways because of the longer blunt area just beyond the handle offers more room for your hand when doing precision chopping and the bend makes it harder for your hand to slip right onto the blade (unlike many other machetes and parangs). Also, because of the bend back, maybe it is also safer because it is harder to chop your own leg! You have no idea, I've had at least 3 or 4 close calls when out in the forest with a parang, golok, or machete and ALMOST chopping into my leg. Using such efficient tools/weapons is an exercise in focus. They still use this style today... I saw these pictures on a website (not sure if I am allowed to link to it... ?) But yeah, the website/owner gets the credit. Just google "bidayuh cutting tools in semban" and you'll find the website. Attached Images

6th June 2010, 08:50 PM	#2
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Charles, This is very nice. I am most upset that you find it uncomfortable to handle. To alleviate the discomfort I suggest you send it straight to me Regards Roy

6th June 2010, 09:40 PM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,346	A wonderfull piece! I like thick blades, cause they will do their duty for what they are made for. I also like the beautifull silverwork and scabbard. Maurice

7th June 2010, 02:20 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	Is this the one you got at Timonium? Yes I too love the silver work.

7th June 2010, 12:25 PM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Charles Were these combat weapons or just used for removing heads? They seem a bit awkward to use? Lew

7th June 2010, 03:41 PM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Yes Battara, it's the one from Timonium. Lew, my impression from Stone(though I do not have a copy with me at the moment) is that these are as much utilitarian as exclusively weapons. I don't think I have ever seen an old photo with a Dayak carring either one of these or a parang pandit....would love to see them in some old photos.

7th June 2010, 06:27 PM	#7
Royston Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poole England Posts: 443	Charles Shelford claims that these were largely for agricultural use. This one must have been for a very rich farmer! I have never seen one been carried or used in any of the old photos either. Regards Roy

9th June 2010, 03:06 PM	#9
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	A great pic...the first I have seen that even suggested a latok or pandit type.

15th August 2011, 12:10 AM	#13
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	Great picture Maurice! Still trying to figure out how they wielded the parang latok.

17th May 2014, 08:43 AM	#16
Dayakman Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 2	On #12 , The basket the boy carried. That is for sure a Land Dayak (Bidayuh) Basket he is carrying.

17th May 2014, 03:41 PM	#17
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,231	Wonderful piece ; I like big chopping type blades.This sword is much too ornate for farm work ; also if one is swinging a farm implement all day long, they try to make the tool lighter, not heavier, as the 1 " thickness at the spine would indicate to the contrary .I think this sword belonged to an important man. In regards to the shape of the weapon, could it originally have been designed to administer justice in the old "Sumerian code,if you steal, you lose a hand ?" The angle seems perfect for severing a prone,outstretched limb.The Germans of Old had "Justice Swords," for such purposes.

17th May 2014, 09:11 PM	#18
manteris1 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 114	I have always liked thick blades .................jimmy

18th May 2014, 06:00 AM	#19
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Could this have possibly been used for slaughtering purposes at festivals or other important gatherings? One good swing with this I imagine would remove the head of a water buffalo quite effectively. My congratulations to you Charles, wonderful workmanship and still retaining the original scabbard, this is an absolutely stunning piece. Best, Robert

18th May 2014, 07:22 AM	#20
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THESE LARGE HEAVY EXAMPLES THEY KIND REMIND ME OF THE DAYAK VERSION OF THE MORO PANABAS AND MAY HAVE SERVED THE SAME PURPOSES. CONGRADULATIONS ON A TOP QUALITY EXAMPLE OF THE LARGE HEAVY FORM.