The hilt of a Bidayuh’s Parang…wait till you see the rest!
The cutting tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban are really unique and inspiring. From large Parangs to kitchen knives, there are even ‘non-metal’ cutting tools still being used by these amazingly beautiful people. To me, they are true testaments of how a deep understanding and appreciation of life and the world around enables the creation of functional and practical tools. Amazing? You bet!
When I agreed to join Kuching nature guide Danny Voon on a trek to Semban village in Sarawak, I knew it was going to be more than just another jungle trek. Danny is a Parang collector, and having received his Parang gift, my visit to Semban was real icing on the cake.
At the trail head, where we met up with our guides and porter (Glen, Nyun & Desmund) I was immediately drawn to the Parang Glen was wearing around his waist. The Parang has only half the side of the sheath!
Glen’s Parang has only half the sheath!
Okay, naturally I asked Glen if I can see his Parang. The Parang has a unique shape and the sheath itself is the first of its kind I have seen in my entire life. I knew instantly that the trip would be a really interesting one. Glen allowed me to take pictures of his Parang.
The Bidayuh Parang
The other side of the Parang
According to Glen, the Parang sheath is deliberately designed and shaped that way. Experience has taught the Bidayuhs that a fully enclosed Parang sheath can be clogged up with dirt and wood chip from all the cutting and slashing, a situation where constant cleaning and rinsing is necessary. By doing away with one side of the sheath, there is no way the sheath will be clogged and work can continue with ease. What a fantastic idea!
Now, the sheath and blade may seem dangerous but its design and unique use of rattan to keep the blade in place makes it nearly impossible for the blade to cut the user. I know some people may refute this but seriously, the Bidayuh of Semban has probably been using this sort of design for generations.
According to our Bidayuh guide in Semban Mr Sagen, the Parang is called a ‘Bukok’ and a sheath is a ‘Sibong’. The shape is unique and preferred because it keeps the user’s hand away from whatever object he/she is cutting. Sagen was prompt to point out that the Parang is a man’s constant companion when out in the jungle.
Mr Sagen showing and explaining the Bidayuh Parang
The other side of the Parang
It is only later that I realize that Danny too is using a similar Parang. The shape is distinctive; the only difference is that Danny’s Parang comes in a complete sheath. Danny, being an avid collector feels that the design is most practical and he is very used to it.
Danny's full sheath Parang
Interestingly, the shape of the Parang blade can also be seen in other cutting tools in Semban Below is a picture of 3 pieces of very old Bidayuh Parangs which belongs to Sagen’s family. The piece with the metal handle has been handed down within Sagen’s family for generations and is used for battle during the olden days. He knows for a fact that the blade has killed other human beings before (though he is not sure how many).
These Bidayuh ‘war’ blades may very well have tasted human blood before
To be continued…
Other posts/ videos on Semban:
- Part I- A visit to Semban, the village above the clouds
- Part II- The hanging bamboo bridges of Semban
- Part III- The long walk up to Semban
- Part IV- The waterfalls at Semban
- Part V1- The Bidayuh’s traditional cutting tools
- Part V2- The kitchen and bamboo blades of the Bidayuhs in Semban
- Part VI- Traditional bamboo smoking pipe and great food
- Part VII- Sunrise and morning walk around Semban
- Part VIII- Old tools used by the Bidayuhs in Semban
- Part IX- Ladies of the rings in Semban
- Video- The bidayuh’s hill paddy
- Video- The home made wooden pack that carries EVERTHING up Semban!
- Video- Bidayuh’s traditional furnace
- Video- Bidayuh’s traditional blades
Click here and here for more on parangs (and its related subjects) on our blogsite.
Great post as usual. Any chance of you doing a write-up on the packboards I’ve seen on your blog?
Putting together a video on the packboards!
Nice blades.
I’ve seen very simmilar blade arrangement refered to (by other ethnic groups I guess) as Parang Latok, Latok, Parang pathi.
I’ve not used one but would like to and given the unusual design, I think it’s real purpose and the reason it’s made that way would be revealed through experience of actually using it.
A case of function dictating design I would imagine.
I’m a bit of a fan of trad. SE Asian Big blades and their practical uses.
Hi Speedy! Well, if you are interested, I can hook you up with the local guide in Kuching that brought me there. He goes up the village quite often and he may be able to get one for you.
Better still, make a trip there and choose one yourself!!
Yes, I’d be very interested, thank you Keong.
His name is Mr Danny Voon, a local Kuching boy. His mobile is +6016-8530447 or you can write to him at: alternativeborneo[at]gmail[dot]com
Good luck!