A Very Hefty Parang Lotok

Battara · 14th August 2011, 11:10 PM

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

KuKulzA28 · 15th August 2011, 06:22 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, 07:43 AM

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

drac2k · 17th May 2014, 02:41 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, 08:11 PM

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

Robert · 18th May 2014, 05:00 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, 06:22 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.

15th August 2011, 06:22 AM	#2
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

17th May 2014, 07:43 AM	#3
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.

14th August 2011, 11:10 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Great picture Maurice! Still trying to figure out how they wielded the parang latok.

17th May 2014, 02:41 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,258	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, 08:11 PM	#5
manteris1 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 114	I have always liked thick blades .................jimmy

18th May 2014, 05:00 AM	#6
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, 06:22 AM	#7
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.