Alamang (in
Bugis language, sometimes Halamang or Lamang) or Sonri (in
Makassarese language
Makassarese ( or ), sometimes called Makasar, Makassar, or Macassar, is a language of the Makassarese people, spoken in South Sulawesi province of Indonesia. It is a member of the South Sulawesi group of the Austronesian language family, and t ...
) is a sacred sword or cutlass of the
Bugis and
Makassarese people in
Sulawesi,
Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guine ...
.
Description
A sword with a flattened, heavy and deeply indented hilt. The blade's edge and back are straight and parallel. The back curves towards the edge at the point. The Alamang has a straight, plain scabbard with sometimes a small foot. The scabbard's mouth is somewhat broadened.
Cultural
The Alamang is a symbol of sovereignty, prosperity, and dignity of a kingdom. It is said that in the past the king would not leave his kingdom without his Alamang. As it is considered as the greatness of the kingdom, certainly the Alamang is very exclusive. Nobody including the ''empu'' (
Kris maker) or blacksmith that have sworn, are allowed to make copies the Alamang for it is the weapon of the king. Those who failed to abide by this law were executed.
See also
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Gari (sword)
Gari is a sword that originates from Nias, an island off the west coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a term used for a type of sword found only in North Nias.
Description
It is a sword with narrow blade, slightly curved at the end. The h ...
*
Sundang
*
Surik
References
Further reading
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Weapons of Indonesia
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