Kelantanese klewang

The Kelantanese klewang or Kelantanese kelewang (Kelewang Kelantan or Klewang Kelantan in Malay language or Keleweng Kelate in Kelantanese Malay) is a style of klewang originating from Kelantan, Malaysia but also popular in other northern Malaysia Peninsula states. The Kelantanese klewang is believed to be as old as the parang, became a distinct weapon by the late 18th century.[1] In the 19th century, Kelantanese men would wear the Kelantantese klewang behind their sarong with the blade protruding out.[2]

Kelantanese Klewang
A Kelantanese style Klewang called Kelewang Pucuk Berkait.
TypeKlewang
Place of origin Malaysia (Kelantan)
Service history
Used byKelantanese Malay people
Specifications
LengthApproximately 16 inch (40.64 cm) to 20 inch (50.8 cm) blade and 17cm handle
Blade typeSingle edge
Hilt typeWater buffalo horn or wood
Scabbard/sheathNo scabbard

The weapon features a single edged, curved belly blade, with its tapered tip clipped and forming decorative loop or spike at the spine of the blade. The handle is carved to the shape of a horse hove or a Makara (Hindu mythology).[2]

The Kelantanese klewang is used in martial arts[1] but it is also often associated with violent gang crimes.[3] In 2012, about a dozen of gang members from 3 different gangs in Kelantan were arrested for 10 cases of assault, armed-robbery and confiscation of weapons including the kelewang.[3]

There are variety of Kelantanese klewangs such as Kelewang Pucuk Berkait,[4] Kelewang Jambul[5] and so on.

This weapon was featured in the American bladesmthing competition, Forged in Fire (TV series)'s season 5 episode 15.[6]

References
  1. Norain Ismail (2012). "Peperangan dalam historiografi Johor: kajian terhadap Tuhfat al-nafis" (PDF). University of Malaya. p. 115. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  2. Farish Noor & Eddin Khoo (2012). Spirit of Wood: The Art of Malay Woodcarving. Tuttle Publishing. pp. 104–105. ISBN 14-629-0677-X.
  3. Rosmiza Kasim & Adila Sharinni Wahid (6 December 2012). "Geng Parang tumpas". Sinar Harian. Retrieved 2018-08-02.
  4. Iskandar (Teuku.) (1984). Kamus Dewan. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. p. 521. OCLC 11585601.
  5. Dewan sastra, Volume 31, Issues 7-12. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. 2001. p. 51.
  6. Forged In fire. "The Kelewang". History. Retrieved 2018-08-02.


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