Parang latok

A parang latok (which is also known as latok, latok buku or parang pathi) is a sword from Borneo in Sarawak, Malaysia; where it is regarded as the national weapon of the Sarawakian Malay people and the Bidayuhs (Land Dayak people),^[1] and as well as Kalimantan, Indonesia. It also functions as a machete.

Parang latok
A Parang Latok, circa 1800-1899.
Type	Parang, Sword
Place of origin	Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia[1] and West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Service history
Used by	Bornean Malay people, Dayak people (Bidayuh)[1]
Specifications
Length	approximately 55 cm (22 in)
Blade type	single edged, one sided chisel grind
Hilt type	wood
Scabbard/sheath	wood

Its used for both timber felling, agricultural activities and warfare is characterised by the noticeable bent at an obtuse angle from one-third of its length starting from the pommel.^[2] This parang features a single-edge blade that is heavier and wider towards the point of the blade. The handle of the parang latok is made of wood without a guard and often tied securely with rattan at its grip. It is carried in a long, two-piece wooden sheath to properly hold the blade.^[3]

In the past, the parang latok is also used for executing condemned criminals, and the decapitation is normally achieved with a single blow.^[4] This parang is used two-handedly, with one hand holding the hilt and the other holding the blade's shoulder, enabling its user to strike downwards.

A smaller version of the parang latok is called the buko, while another variant of the parang latok is known as the sadap.^[5]

See also

• Malaysia portal
• Indonesia portal

• Pandat