The pagan tribes of Borneo - Get a Free Blog Here

i6o PAGAN TRIBES OF BORNEO chap.
from the handle up to a point about five inches
from the tip, where the blade attains its maximum
width of nearly two inches. At this point the back
edge bends sharply forward to meet the cutting
edge at the tip. A very peculiar feature of the
blade is that it is slightly hollowed on the inner
surface {i.e. the thumb side or left side in the case
oi xhe: parang of a right-handed man, the right side
in case of one made for a left-handed man), and is
convex in transverse section to a corresponding
degree on the other surface. This peculiar shape
of the blade is said to render the parang more
efficient in sinking into or through either limbs or
wood, and is more easily withdrawn after a successful
blow. This weapon is carried in a wooden sheath
suspended by a plaited waist-strap, and is the
constant companion of every man ; for it is used not
only in warfare, but also for a variety of purposes,
such as the hewing down of jungle undergrowth,
cutting rattans and bamboos, the rough shaping of
wooden implements.
The weapon second in importance is the spear
(PI. 92). It consists of a flat steel blade, about one
foot in length, of which the widest part (between one
and two inches) is about four inches from the tip.
The tip and lateral edges of the blade are sharp, and
its haft is lashed with strips of rattan to the end of
a wooden shaft. The extremity of the haft is bent
outwards from the shaft, to prevent its being
dragged off from the latter. The shaft is of tough
wood and about seven feet in length ; its butt end
is usually shod with iron. The spear is used not
only for thrusting, but also as a javelin and as a
parrying stick for warding off the spears hurled by
the foe. It is always carried in the boat when
travelling on the river, or in the hand during
excursions in the jungle.
The blow-pipe, which projects a poisoned dart.