The 'ilang' or 'parang ilang' as it is known to the indigenous ethnic of Borneo is a type of sword. The word 'parang' means knife and 'ilang' is just a name. Literally it means the 'ilang knife' or the 'ilang sword'. Sword as we all know is a weapon of combat used by people of various cultures around the world. The indigenous or the native people of Borneo and notably in Sarawak, have been using parang ilang for centuries. How they get the metal to make the sword before the advancement of trade is something I have not researched on. But in this writing I am only bringing readers into the decorative parts of the parang ilang.
Since tribal wars and battles have become things of the past the parang ilang have been serving different purposes. Today basically they serve two purposes: decorative @ ornamental and ceremonial. They are placed in homes as part of the interior design. And this is where beads play some significant role. During festive season namely the Gawai Dayak that is celebrated in June each year, the native people also use the parang ilang in the performance of the warrior dance called 'Ngagat Bebunuh' [literally translated, "dance to kill' or a killer dance]. Picture below shows two sheaths of parang ilang that have been beautifully decorated with beads of various colours and designs.
The handles and sheaths are beautifully decorated with beads
It is very common to find parang ilang adorning the main room of modern houses as decorative items. Once feared as paraphernalia of war it is now becoming items of beauty.
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