Engineering:Krai Silai

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Krai Silai
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A Krai Silai sword from Tanimbar Islands
TypeSword
Place of originIndonesia (Tanimbar Islands)
Service history
Used byTanimbarese people
Specifications
Lengthapproximately 63 cm (25 in) blade

Blade typeSingle edge
Hilt typeWood, bone
Scabbard/sheathWood

The Krai Silai (which means "great sword") or simply called Tanimbarese sword, is a sword originating from the Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia.[1] It is also called Lofu in Seram Island.[1]

In the past, the Krai Silai is used in a solemn single combat, in which people stood opposite each other, armed with a Krai Silai and separated by a bamboo fence at chest height. In ordinary circumstances, the old men simply wore their hair wound around their heads, futoe ngwine, held up by a court cloth, moselai, and secured with a comb.[2]

See also

  • Belida (sword)
  • Hemola
  • Moso (sword)
  • Rugi (sword)


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Arafura Warrior Sword". Forensic Fashion. http://www.forensicfashion.com/1849ArafuraWarriorSword.html. 
  2. Archives internationales d'ethnographie. P.W.M. Trap. 1940. p. 28.