Rencong is a traditional weapon of the region of Aceh, Indonesia, shaped like an L, but if you look more closely, it looks more like 'Bismillah'(arabic: in the name of God) calligraphy. Rencong included in the category of dagger (not a knife or sword).
Origins
Before Rencong was known, the people of Aceh had been using a weapon called Siwah. These weapons do not have handles, so it's quite difficult when used to fight, especially when the weapon is already covered with blood. These weapons became slippery and easy to loose grasp because of that blood. Therefore, on the orders of Sultan Alaiddin Riayat Syah Al-Kahhar ruling at the time, the smiths then called to change Siwah with new models that are not difficult when used for war. The blacksmith was finally added a-shaped handles Ba (the second letter in Arabic script) in the Siwah. Later this weapon known as the reuncong or rincong, in the Indonesian language is called Rencong.
Rencong had already existed since the late of 19th century, this is one of the weapons used to wage war against the Dutch colonizers, especially in the Aceh war that lasted between the years 1873-1904 AD. Symbolically, this weapon are worthy as a heritage weapon to evoke the martial spirit of Aceh soldiers. Almost all soldiers and Aceh guerrilla leader tucked it in the waist while maintaining the struggle of their homeland, including women, such as Tjut Nyak Dien and other heroines.
Types
Rencong generally divided into four parts: Rencong eyes (bar), punting Rencong, Ulee Rencong (handle) and sarong Rencong (sheath). Recong's forn blade slightly curved with a pointed tip section, but not like kris(we'll write about this kris soon). Therefore, as a physical weapon, it is stronger and looks solid when held. The entire front side are sharp, while the sharp side of the back is only about three-quarters of which is close to bud. There is bean-flower inverted shape carved in the front side near the base of the upper blade. This section is called Bengkuang Rencong, and is a nail stilisasi of garuda bird, or eagle.
Sarong Rencong and upper reaches can be made of plain wood, ivory or buffalo horn. To strengthen and beautify, this sarong tied with a ring-shaped metal piece called klah. Klah was made of brass, silver, or gold. Meanwhile, Ulee Rencong can be decorated with silver or gold engraved.
At first Rencong function only as a weapon to defend themselves and fight the enemies like the Dutch colonizers. In addition, it also used as the completeness of the local traditional costume. Aceh people wear it by putting it in the folds of the sarong to the wearer's stomach. Rencong upstream facing the right hand, while the body stuffed in the side position, leaning to the right as well. Symbolically, this is likely to facilitate the user to easily draw it when necessary. However, the current Rencong functions have grown. It also used as souvenir given to the guests such as government officials or people who come to visit this Mecca Porch country.
Historically, rencong have levels. First, rencong used by the king or sultan. Rencong is usually made of ivory (sheath) and pure gold (the dagger). Second, the sheath rencong rencong-usual made of buffalo horn or wood, while the dagger of brass or white metal. In general, there are four types of weapons rencong which became the mainstay of society in Aceh.
Rencong Meucugek. Meucugek called because the handle rencong there is a form of archery and glue that in terms of Aceh called cugek or meucugek. Cugek is needed for easy to handle and not easily separated when stabbed into the body of the opponent or enemy.
Rencong Meupucok. This Rencong shoots above the handle is made of metal engraving in general, from gold. Handles of this meupucok rencong look rather small, ie on the lower handle. However, more to the end of the receiver is getting bigger. Type rencong this kind are used for decoration or as a tool for jewelry. Usually, this rencong used in official ceremonies relating to the problems of customs and arts.
Rencong Pudoi. Rencong this type shaped handles are shorter and straight, not like rencong general. Impressed, is not yet perfect so rencong pudoi said. Pudoi term in Acehnese society is something that is supposed still lacking or still exist that have not been perfect.
Rencong Meukuree. Meukuree rencong differences with other types of rencong is in the eye. This type of eye rencong given certain decorations such as pictures of snakes, centipedes, flowers, and so forth. Drawings by blacksmith interpreted with various kinds of advantages and privileges. Rencong stored long, initially will be formed similar aritan or form called kuree. The longer or the older a rencong, the more kuree contained in these rencong eye. Kuree is deemed to have magical powers.
