Bajau Parang

If you have an interest in any kind of daggers or knives, you are bound to know the Malaysian parang. For the uninitiated, an explanation is forthcoming,a Malaysian parang is a long blade or machete, made by blacksmiths all over Malaysia. One such variation of the parang is known as the Bajau parang, and it is handcrafted by indigenous peoples, called Bajau, who constitute one of the largest groups of ethnic folk resident in Sabah state.

A parang as an implement is often considered to be indispensable by the Bajau. This long blade or machete is handcrafted by the Bajau people until today. Aside from using the parang as a weapon, the Bajau have a  for a variety of uses for the sharp blade  like  using it for clearing vegetation, cutting meat and poultry and even as a decorative accent for the handles of the parang are usually intricately carved.  

The blade of a parang is approximately 10–24 inches (25–61 cm) in size. Handcrafted parangs are sold are available for sale at various local markets around Malaysia and are generally priced 100 MYR upwards depending on form and quality. If however, you would like to have a parang custom-made for your collection or then if you would like to learn how this famed parang of the Bajau is made, you need to plan a trip to Kampung Siasai in Kota Belud located on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The Bajau resident in Kampung Siasai, have been handcrafting parangs for generations and plan to continue to do so in the future.

Parang making by the Bajau of Kampung Siasai

 Essentials for making a parang

1.      A piece of scrap iron

2.      An anvil

3.      Hammers of various sizes

4.      A grip tool

5.      A whole lot of determination, patience and skill

6.      Much practice for only much practice makes a parang-maker a master of his trade

 Method according to the parang-making experts of  Kampung Siasai

1.      Heat the scrap of metal on a burner until it is sufficiently warmed up.  Once the piece attains a red glow, you know it is ready to be shaped.

2.      Next take the piece of iron and place it on the anvil. Use a sledge hammer to pound it into the desired shape (this is the most laborious step of parang-making which requires much patience, skill and dexterity).

3.      Once this is done, allow the piece to cool before placing it back on the burner. This step is repeated a number of times, until the desired shape is achieved.

4.      The blade and the handle of the parang, are then to be fashioned by striking the piece of iron with a sharp tool continually.

5.      Use sandpaper to smoothen and sharpen the edges of the parang.

6.      Now hand-craft the handle of the parang using sturdy wood and enclose it in a decorative sheath. Often the wooden handle of the parang is intricately carved to increase its visual appeal.

7.      Lastly finish the parang by giving it one final polish so that it gleams.

8.      A parang usually takes a day or two to make though special shapes may require more time.

9.      Visitors may custom-order their parangs at Kampung Siasai.