In Jawa, and I guess in most other parts of modern Indonesia, the most usual weapon now, and for perhaps 100 years into the past, has been the arit or sickle/reaping hook. This is perhaps because in rural areas no farmer is ever without one stuck into the back of his belt, or dangling from his wrist.
These societies have a plethora of knives and sharp pointy things to choose from, but the item that seems to be most popular is this common sickle.
A close second would be the bendo which is like a European pruning hook, and most houses have one.
I think it is probably pretty general that people use whatever is near at hand when necessity calls.
A number of police officers here in Australia have told me that what they fear most when required to attend a domestic dispute is the common kitchen knife, or in their own words "the Wiltshire", which is a longish kitchen knife kept in a sharpening cover, so it is always nice and sharp.
|