Hullo everybody!
Just thought I'd post a more complete explanation/protocol of the KOEDJANG.
Hope it's not too boring.
Best,
KOEDJANG:
The Koedjang is a traditional implement which has become synonymous with Oerang Soenda.
From humble beginnings as a farm tool, the koedjang had evolved to become pretty much what it is today.
There had been developed a pakem (protocol) governing the manufacture and use of the koedjang (similar to that of the doehoeng ).
This protocol virtually restricted the use of the variety of koedjang to the Pangréh Pradja/Prijaji (‘rulers of the realm’/governing bureaucracy), leaving only the basic farming-tool type for the common people.
Although the clergy were also allocated use of the koedjang, they were primarily as talismanic symbols of the clergy’s function: to nurture and protect the spiritual strength of the realm.
Koedjang Length: About two handspans (~ 42cm.), from point of blade to end of handle.
Koedjang (
see attached diagram )
1. Waroega ( Body/Blade )
2. Tjongo/Papatoek ( Tip/Beak ), for gouging
3. Beuteung ( Stomach/Front Edge ), sharp edge for cutting/slicing
4. Tonggong ( Back/Back Edge ), sharp edge for cutting/slicing
5. Eloek ( Arc )
6. Siih/Tjoetjoek ( Spur/Thorn ), for ripping/tearing
7. Mata ( Eye/Eyelet ), filled with precious metal
8. Tadah ( Check ), for blocking/disarming
9. Paksi/Boentoet/Paseuk ( Tang )
10. Seloet (Metal Collar/Ring ), for firm handling
11. Pamor ( Damascene ), for poison retention
12. Tjombong ( Hole ), recess in handle to fit tang
13. Landean/Perah ( Handle )
14. Kopak/Kowak/Sarangka/Saroeng ( Sheath )
Basically, the Koedjang was classified according to shape and function.
According to shape (of the blade):
Tjioeng ( Thrush )
Djago/Hajam ( Rooster )
Koentoel ( Egret )
Bangkong ( Frog )
Naga ( Serpent )
Badak ( Rhinoceros )
Pamangkas ( Cutter/Clipper, a farming tool )
Bikang ( Female ):
Tjioeng
Koentoel
Koedi ( for females )
According to function:
Poesaka (sacred heirloom or symbol of potency)
Pakarang (implement for defence)
Pangarak (lance/polearm, for special auspicious ceremonies)
Pamangkas (chopping/cutting/slashing implement for farming)
The protocol also included the assignation of the Koedjang type commensurate with the duties and function of the wearer/user (as opposed to the social status of the individual):
Koedjang Tjioeng, 9 Eyelets: Radja (ruler), Brahmesta (high-priest)
Koedjang Tjioeng, 7 Eyelets: Praboe Anom (crown prince), Mantri Dangka (minister for states/territories), Pandita (counsellor)
Koedjang Tjioeng, 5 Eyelets: Boepati Panangkes (chief of general business), Boepati Pakwan (Pakwan regent), Boepati Loear (regent for area external to Pakwan/regional-ruler), Geurang Poeoen (leader of village-chiefs), Geurang Seurat (secretary)
Koedjang Tjioeng, 3 Eyelets: Geurang (group/community leader), Poeoen (village-chief)
Koedjang Tjioeng, 1 Eyelet: Goeroe Tangtoe Agama (expert/educator/advisor on inalienable doctrines)
Koedjang Djago: military personnel: Balapati/RanggaMantri (paramount war-chief), Loeloegoe/Rangga (war-chief), Sambilan (divisional-chief)
Koedjang Koentoel: Patih (chief executive): poeri (fortifications), taman (parks/gardens), tangtoe (sacred inalienables), djaba (external), paladjoe (development); Mantri (minister): madjeuti (fisheries), paséban (tributes/taxes), lajar (transport), karang (lands), djero (interior)
Koedjang Bangkong: Goeroe (expert/educator/advisor): sekar (flora), tangtoe (sacred inalienables), alas (forestry), tjoetjoek (brambles/weeds)
Koedjang Naga: Kandoeroe/PangréhPradja (ruler’s service), Djaro (district chief): awara (security), tangtoe (sacred inalienables), gambangan (music/culture)
Koedjang Badak:
- military officers: Pangwereg (cavalry/elephants), Pamatang (lancers), Palongok-panengen-pangiwa (scouts), Palajang (flying force), Pangwelah,(strategy). Bareusan (infantry unit): pradjoerit (general infantry), pratoeloep (blowpipes), pangawin (bodyguards), sarawarsa (archers).
- Kokolot (elders)
Koedjang Pamangkas: common folk
Koedjang Bikang and
Koedi: females of the nobility and those with definite functions e.g. Dijah Poetri (Princess), court ladies: Amboe Soekla (lady chaperone), Amboe Geurang (governess), Goeroe Aés (female physician), Dajang Kapoetren (ladies-in-waiting), Soekla Majang (hand-maiden)
Koedjang Boeta ( Blind ): Koedjang with no Eyelets.
Koedjang Bikang: consisted of two basic shapes, Tjioeng and Koentoel, chosen for their slenderness. They were only half the size of the normal Koedjang.
Koedi: It is similar to the Koedjang, but with similar twin edges, serrated, with spurs and no beuteung or tonggong. It is the same size as the Koedjang Bikang. They are made of steel, finer than the Koedjang and like Koedjang Boeta, don’t have eyelets.
Eyelets: Symbolises the
mandala/levels of the religion of the realm (viz. kasoengka, parmana, karma, rasa, seba, soeda, djati, samar, agoeng; 9 levels).
Damascene:
Soelangkar/Lines along blade and Toetoel/Spots
Koedjang as a status symbol:
The status of the wearer is determined by the number of eyelets, the damascene and its material.
Koedjang worn by aristocratic ladies of the Pakwan court usually had five eyelets with soelangkar damascene of selected yellow metal alloy (an mixture of iron, tin, lead, silver, zinc, copper and gold). Other females wore koedjang with three eyelets or less, with toetoel damascene of chosen metal.