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Balato (sometimes also known as Baltoe, Balatu, Balatu Sebua, Ballatu, Foda, Gari Telegu, Klewang Buchok Berkait, Roso Sebua or Telagoe) is a sword that originates from
In South Nias, the locals practice a war dance called ''Faluaya'' (or ''Fataele'') dance. In this dance, the dancers wore colorful clothing consists of black, yellow and red, fitted with a crown on the head. Like a knight in battle, dancers also carry Baluse (shields), swords and spears as a means of defense from enemy attack. The Baluse that were used are made of wood shaped like banana leaves and are held on the left hand which serves to deflect enemy attacks, while the sword or spear in the right hand serves to counter enemy attacks. Both of these weapons are the main weapons used for fighting by a Nias knight.
In those days, young men in the village were required to leap over the rock of in height during the ''Fahombo'' (or ''Hombo Batu'') ceremony in order to attain adulthood. This would also signify that those men are able to protect and to defend their village once achieving adulthood. Therefore, the ''Si'ulu'' (village head) would form a ''Fataele'' team and recruit these men.
In the past, the Nias people were feared for their
Balato Sword
- Yale Art Gallery Southeast Asian swords Weapons of Indonesia {{Indonesia-hist-stub
Nias
Nias (, Nias: ''Tanö Niha'') is an island located off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Nias is also the name of the archipelago () of which the island is the centre, but also includes the Batu Islands to the southeast and the small ...
, an island off the west coast of North Sumatra
North Sumatra () is a Provinces of Indonesia, province of Indonesia located in the northern part of the island of Sumatra. Its capital and largest city is Medan on the east coast of the island. It borders Aceh to the northwest, Riau to the sou ...
, Indonesia
Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian Ocean, Indian and Pacific Ocean, Pacific oceans. Comprising over List of islands of Indonesia, 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, ...
.
Description
Balato is a sword with a large variety of blades, hilts and scabbards. Three types of blades can be distinguished, all broadening at the point: * with an almost straight blade back and straight edge. The cutting edge is rounded from place to back. * with an almost straight back and a straight or slightly concave cutting edge, while the back S-shape runs to the cutting edge at the site. * with a slightly convex back, a slightly concave edge and a strong concave section at the location (Bowie form). The hilts are very varied, but all can be reduced to an animal's head or mouth, most of the time the ''lasara'' (mythical creature), made in a plain stylized way or in a complex, richly decorated form. Most of this hilts are made from wood, but brass ones do occur. Wooden hilts have brass ferrule broadening towards the blade. The scabbard is made of wood with brass or rattan bindings along the scabbard. Often a round rattan basket is attached to the scabbard to keep various amulets in. Normally, the southern Balatos have more decorated baskets on their scabbards compared to the northern region.Culture
In South Nias, the locals practice a war dance called ''Faluaya'' (or ''Fataele'') dance. In this dance, the dancers wore colorful clothing consists of black, yellow and red, fitted with a crown on the head. Like a knight in battle, dancers also carry Baluse (shields), swords and spears as a means of defense from enemy attack. The Baluse that were used are made of wood shaped like banana leaves and are held on the left hand which serves to deflect enemy attacks, while the sword or spear in the right hand serves to counter enemy attacks. Both of these weapons are the main weapons used for fighting by a Nias knight.
In those days, young men in the village were required to leap over the rock of in height during the ''Fahombo'' (or ''Hombo Batu'') ceremony in order to attain adulthood. This would also signify that those men are able to protect and to defend their village once achieving adulthood. Therefore, the ''Si'ulu'' (village head) would form a ''Fataele'' team and recruit these men.
In the past, the Nias people were feared for their headhunting
Headhunting is the practice of hunting a human and collecting the severed head after killing the victim. More portable body parts (such as ear, nose, or scalp) can be taken as trophies, instead. Headhunting was practiced in historic times ...
practices. It is believed that the victims of headhunting will become their servants in the afterlife. Today, headhunting are no longer practiced as majority of the Nias population are Protestant Christians
Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emphasizes Justification (theology), justification of sinners Sola fide, through faith alone, the teaching that Salvation in Christianity, salvation comes by unmerited Grace in Christianity, divin ...
.
See also
* Gari, another sword from Nias * PirahReferences
Further reading
*External links
Balato Sword
- Yale Art Gallery Southeast Asian swords Weapons of Indonesia {{Indonesia-hist-stub