Kabeala

Kabeala
Kabeala
	A Kabeala, pre-1876.
Type	Chopper, Machete
Place of origin	Indonesia (Sumba)
Service history
Used by	Sumba people
Specifications
Length	approximately 50–60 cm (20–24 in)
Blade type	Drop point blade with convex edge
Hilt type	Water buffalo horn, wood
Scabbard/sheath	Wood

Kabeala (sometimes Kabela, Kabeàla or Kabiala; which means "Parang" or "Golok" in East Sumba language) is a traditional weapon^[1] originating from East Sumba, Indonesia.

Description

The Kabeala has a straight-backed blade with a somewhat convex edge. The blade broadens slightly towards the tip. Its back curves towards the edge at the tip. The hilt is solid, curving halfway at an angle of 45 degrees. The scabbard is straight and has a large number of woven strips to keep both parts together. Its mouth has a slanting protrusion towards the blade's sharp side.^[2]

Culture

During funerals, a person is chosen to assume the role of a Papanggang (slave) whereby a man would carry a Kabeala while the woman would carry a Kahidi Yutu or Leiding knife.^[3]^[4] The traditional attire of a male Papanggang includes a black Kabeala, a symbol of prince.^[5]

References

^ Rodney Needham (1987). Mamboru: History And Structure In A Domain In Northwestern Sumba. Clarendon Press. ISBN 0-19-823400-7.
^ Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.
^ Gregory L. Forth (1981). Rindi: An Ethnographic Study Of A Traditional Domain In Eastern Sumba. Martinus Nijhoff. ISBN 90-247-6169-7.
^ Somogy (2007). Arts & Culture 2006. Somogy. ISBN 978-2-85056-957-9.
^ "The Life And Death Of Tamu Rambu Yuliana, Princess Of Sumba And Custodian Of The Arts And Treasures Of Rindi" (PDF). Arts & Cultures, Barbier-Mueller Museum. Retrieved 3 June 2014.