Place of origin Indonesian archipelago Length 40-70cm | ||
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Blade type Single edge, slight convex grind Hilt type Water buffalo horn, wood | ||
The klewang or kelewang is a type of single-edge longsword from Indonesia with a protruding notch near its tip. In size, weight and shape it is halfway between the golok and the kampilan. The style of the klewang differs between the various cultures of Indonesia. Blades range from 15 to 30 inches in length and may be straight or slightly curved. It is carried for show by followers of chiefs, or taken on expeditions to market or nightly walks in the villages. It is worn without a sheath although there are sheathed varieties.
During the Aceh War the Acehnese klewang proved very effective in close quarters combat against the cutlass-wielding Dutch troops and the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. Mobile troops armed with carbines and klewang succeeded in suppressing Aceh resistance where traditional infantry with rifle and bayonet had failed. From that time on until the 1950s the Royal Dutch East Indies Army, Royal Dutch Army, Royal Dutch Navy and Dutch police used these cutlasses called klewang.
Ceremonial Use
In the Royal Netherlands Army the klewang is still used as a ceremonial weapon by the colour guard of the Regiment van Heutsz, because the regiment took over the traditions of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army, where the klewang was historically used as a side arm.
