Blakas

Chopper, Cleaver, Ceremonial Knife

Blakas
A Balinese Blakas, pre-1944.
Type	Chopper, Cleaver, Ceremonial Knife
Place of origin	Indonesia (Bali)
Service history
Used by	Balinese people
Specifications
Blade type	Single edge, chisel grind
Hilt type	Water buffalo horn, wood
Scabbard/sheath	Wood

Blakas or Belakas is a general name for any sort of cleaver or large knife originating from Bali, Indonesia that has a heavy rectangular blade with a straight cutting edge used for chopping.^[1] The long, rounded hilt often becomes thinner at one or both ends. The blade often has a fanciful shape and encrusted motifs.^[2] Sometimes it is made for ceremonial purposes, and also used in pairs with golok.^[3] It is a common utensil in Balinese households and is used for kitchen chores, orchard work, and in ceremonial activities.

References

^ Fred B. Eiseman (2008). Traditional Balinese Tools In The Jimbaran Area, South Bali (Prabot Bali Tatamian). Fred B. Eiseman. ASIN B007HG4ZN8.
^ Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.
^ S. Ann Dunham (2009). Surviving Against The Odds: Village Industry in Indonesia. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-8223-4687-6.

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