Moso (sword)

Klewang sword

PlaceoforiginIndonesia (Sulawesi and Alor Archipelago)

Lengthapproximately 65 cm (26 in)

BladetypeSingle edge, convex grind

Moso
A Moso sword from Wetar, circa 18th–19th century.
Type	Klewang sword
Place of origin	Indonesia (Sulawesi and Alor Archipelago)
Specifications
Length	approximately 65 cm (26 in)

Blade type	Single edge, convex grind
Hilt type	Wood, hair
Scabbard/sheath	Wood, rattan

The Moso is a sword found throughout the Alor Archipelago up to Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The Moso has a straight, single-edged blade that is only slightly curved locally. The blade widens from the hilt to the tip. It has one or usually three narrow hollow grinds that run directly below the spine of the blade. The cutting edge becomes slightly bulbous towards the tip-end. The end of the tip is cut off at an angle, the back of the blade is shorter than the cutting edge.^[1]

The hilt is made of wood and has no guard. The pommel is triangular and decorated with a carved eye in the center that has mythological significance. The sides of the pommel are decorated with horse or goat hair is called qava umudi in Blagar language.^[2]

The scabbard is made of wood. The bottom end is carved in the shape of a hook and the opening insert area is widened and outstandingly crafted.^[1]

References

1 2 Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. p. 89. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.
↑ Hein Steinhauer & Hendrik D.R. Gomang (2016). Kamus Blagar-Indonesia-Inggris: Blagar-Indonesian-English dictionary. Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia. p. 11. ISBN 978-60-243-3356-0.

Indonesian traditional weapons, armors, and premodern gunpowder-based weapons

Traditional weapon

Swords (Pedang) & cutlasses (Klewang)	Alamang Amanremu Balato Bara Sangihe Belida Co Jang Dua Lalan Gari Hemola Jenawi Krai Silai Ladieng Langgai tinggang Luwuk Mandau Moso Niabor Pakayun Pandat Parang nabur Penai Piso Halasan Piso Sanalenggam Rudus Rugi Sikin Panyang Sundang Surik
Daggers (Belati) & knives (Pisau)	Badik Dohong Kris Keris bahari Patrem Kujang Pasatimpo Palitai Peurawot Pisau raut Pisuwe Rencong Sewar Si Euli Tappi Tumbok Lada Wamilo
Choppers (Parang) & machetes (Golok)	Bendo Blakas Buko Guma Golok Ciomas Golok Rembau Jimpul Kabeala Kandawulo Kudi Parang Chandong Parang Latok Parang Taawu Peda Tangkin Wedung
Impact weapons	Cabang Gada Indan
Pole or spear weapons	Arbir Bambu runcing Bessing Kawali Lembing Pantu Trisula
Flexible weapons	Cambuk
Miscellaneous weapons	Celurit Kerambit Salukat Sumpit Tolor

Gunpowder weapon

Firearm	Bedil Bedil tombak Istinggar Java arquebus Pemuras Terakul
Cannon	Cetbang Ekor lotong Lantaka Lela Miniature meriam kecil
By name	Anak Makassar Bujang Timpang Berang Ki Amuk Si Jagur

Armor and outfit

Shield	Baluse Cakalele Kanta Klebit Bok Kliau Kurabit Peurise Awe Peurise Teumaga Salawaku
Body armor	Baju Empurau Baju Lamina Baju Rantai Baru Lema'a Baru Öröba Karambalangan Kawaca Siping-siping
Helmet	Katapu Paseki Takula tofao

See also

References

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