Rencong is Indonesian Cultural Heritage in the category of Traditional Weapon from Aceh province. Rencong is a symbol of courage and bravery of the people of Aceh. In ancient times, those who hold the weapons will be felt more brave in the face of the enemy. At the present time, this weapon is already not so often to be used as an offensive weapon. However, this weapon is still remembered as a symbol of bravery, courage and virility of the people of Aceh. Therefore, in some ceremonies (such as marriage ceremonies) rencong used.

              Rencong including one of the results of traditional art. Historically, before rencong there, similar weapons have existed long before the influence of the religion Islam came to Aceh. Only after that the arms were honored by equating rencong shape with the shape of Arabic script. Actual existence stabbing weapon has existed since the first century AD that comes from the Dong Son in the Gulf of Tonkin could be the forerunner rather than a dagger. As handgun dagger has a history of development similar to rencong.

               According to historical records rencong came into use during the reign of Sultan Ali Mugayatsyah Kingdom of Aceh in 1514-1528. At that time still oriented to the beliefs of Islam are very influential in social and cultural life in local communities Aceh.Rencong worn by the fighters against the occupation of Aceh in the first foreign nation, not just a fighter who wears rencong but the kings and the nobility of Aceh also wear rencong.

               The people of Aceh recognize four different kinds of rencong. The first rencong meucugek. The mention rencong meucugek because of the rencong hilt are a form of archery and adhesive in terms Aceh called cugek or meucugek. This cugek needed to easily handle and not easily separated when thrust into the body of an opponent or enemy.

               Second, Rencong Meupucok shoots above the handle is made of metal engraving are generally of gold. The handle of the rencong Meupucok it look a bit small on the handle or grip at the bottom. But getting to the end of the handle is getting bigger. rencong types of this kind are used for decoration or as a means of jewelry.

                Third, reuncong Pudoi. The term pudoi in Acehnese society is something that is still considered deficient, or there are not perfect. This rencong hilt only straight and short. So, what is meant pudoi or immature is in the form of the handle rencong.

                 Fourth, reuncong Meukuree. Differences rencong meukuree with another type of rencong is in the eye rencong. rencong ornate eye such as pictures of snakes, centipedes, and other flowers. The images were interpreted by a blacksmith with a variety of advantages and privileges. Rencong stored long it will initially form a kind of sickle or a form called kuree. The longer or the older a Rencong the more kuree contained in eye rencong concerned. Kuree are considered to have magical powers.

                  In addition to the rencong already mentioned, we know the weapon similar to rencong called Siwaih. The shape is almost the same as rencong but siwaih size (large or long) in excess of the rencong. Siwaih very rare to find, in addition to its price, is also the portion of the king's supplies or ulebalang

                 This only I can share about the traditional weapons of Aceh, thanks for reading my article, and if you like, do not forget to:

UPVOTE, FOLLOW, AND RESTEEM :)

Source : http://kebudayaan.kemdikbud.go.id