Image: Raffles Javan Weapons 3

Description: Excerpt from the book: In the plates are also exhibited the different kinds of spears, darts, and other weapons, either said to have been in use formerly, or actually used at the present day. These are the bow and arrow (gendewa, pana) which are seldom used in modern days, except on state occasions. The arrows, termed chakra, paspati, trisula, warayang, diwal, roda dedali, and others of a similar form, as well as the clubs called indan, gada, and denda, are represented as the weapons used by the gods, demigods, and heroes of antiquity, and are constantly referred to in the mythological and historical romances of the Javans, and exhibited in their scenic and dramatic entertainments. The tulup and paser represent the tube and the small arrows which are rendered poisonous by the upas : these have not been used on Java for centuries, but they are common in the less civilized islands of the Archipelago, and particularly on Borneo. The ganjing is an iron bar, formerly used by the Javans. The bandring, or sling, is still used with considerable effect, and was employed in resisting the British troops in 1812. The pedang, bandol, badik, golok, mentok, lamang or klewang, and chundrik, are varieties of the sword. The kudi-tranchang is a weapon which was formerly general on Java, but not now much used. The wedung is a peculiar weapon, in the shape of a chopper, worn on occasions of state by all chiefs when in presence of the sovereign. Of spears and darts, there are several varieties distinguished by different names. Small round shields are still in use; the long shield is not. The matchlock exhibited in the plate is a representation of a piece manufactured on Bali. Description of Balinese people: The arts are little practised. Though the island produces cotton of the most excellent quality and in great abundance, the natives have not generally learned the art of painting or printing the dolb which they manufacture from it. The women here, as on Java, are the manufacturers of all the cloth used by their husbands or families. Their principal manufacture is in krises and warlike instruments; they make fire-arms, and ornament the barrels, but purchase European locks. Uploader note: The matchlock is a Balinese istinggar.
Title: Raffles Javan Weapons 3
Credit: Raffles, Thomas Stamford (1817). The History of Java Volume I. London : Printed for Black, Parbury, and Allen. p. 296 plate 4.
Author: Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781-1826)
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No