The Parang
The parang has traditionally been crafted by the Bajaus from the Kota Belud area from a long time back. The ones made by them these days are usually from scrap iron which goes through a process of melting, pounding, shaping and finally polishing. The blades are straight and tapered, from a sharp tip widening up towards the hilt.
Some may have patterns etched into the metal along the top side. The hilt and sheath are carved out of wood, but occasionally one can still come across an antique parang with a wonderfully carved hilt of horn. In days gone by, the parang was used as a weapon as well as a work tool, but these days it is mainly a decorative item for display.
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