Kampung Siasai
Kota Belud
The village in Kota Belud whereby most of the inhabitants, the Bajau people, are skillful parang makers and carvers.
I believe that one can call ‘parang’ a machete but anyhow the parangs from Kota Belud come in different sizes. A Parang is actually a small to medium sized blade with a wooden handle and a wooden sheath. Some handles and sheath are carved with native designs. They are used as weapons as well as working tools. Pretty sure the smaller ones could be used in the kitchen, for meat or bones cutting. Nevertheless, I bought one to keep for rememberance and to remind myself about the specialty of Kota Belud.
This is the humble home of Muhd Don, a skillful parang maker and carver. I was looking for a parang maker to visit and I found his phone number. So I called and he was most welcoming. He invited all of us to come visit him .
The land around Don’s home
Don showing us his collection of parangs that are for sale. He also showed us a beautiful Samurai sword and a long parang he made upon pre-orders.
The parangs made in Kota Belud typically have a distinctive design ~ a sheep's foot tip. The common material used for the blade is the recycled leaf spring, known as the 5160 steel. Wood used are commonly the Acacia wood but some also used Kayu Malam and Serian.
These are Pisau Lapah usually used for cutting meat and bones.
My Dad was excited about meeting a parang maker. He brought his old parang to be sharpened by the expert.
There’s Dad, intrigued by Don working on his old parang!
Our group picture with Muhd Don in Kampung Siasai
Encik Muhd Don
The Keris and I
Pisau Lapah
Look at the beautiful intricate carvings, on the blade!
Loved this!
Keris
I am very happy to see the youth continuing this traditional skill of bladesmithing in Kota Belud. Such beauty is created.
