Baluse

Traditional shield of Indonesia

Baluse
A Baluse shield, pre-1942.
Type	Shield
Place of origin	Nias, Indonesia
Service history
Used by	Nias people
Specifications
Width	27 cm (11 in)
Height	120 cm (47 in)

Baluse or Baloese is a traditional shield of the Nias people originating from Nias, an island off the west coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Baluse in the Northern Nias is somewhat smaller than those of the rest of the island.^[1]

Description

The shield is made of wood shaped like banana leaves and is held on the left hand which serves to deflect enemy attacks.^[2] The surface of the shield is carved with rib-cage patterns from top to bottom. There is a round knob at the centre of the shield, and the shield's handle is directly behind this knob.^[3]

Culture

The Baluse is used with the Balato (sword) or the Burusa (spear)^[4] during traditional war dances such as Faluaya (or Fataele)^[2] and Maena Baluse.^[5]

References

^ Peter Suzuki (1959). The Religious System and Culture of Nias, Indonesia. Uitgeverij Excelsior. ASIN B0045VE6BY.
^ ^a ^b "Tari Fataele: Tari Perang Khas Nias Selatan". Indonesia Tourism. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
^ Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.
^ Arts of Asia (1990). Arts of Asia Volume 20 Number 2, March - April 1990. Arts of Asia. ASIN B002AR5BNM.
^ Lucas Partanda Koestoro, Ketut Wiradnyana (2007). Megalithic Traditions In Nias Island. Medan Archeological Office. ISBN 978-979-98772-1-5.

Swords (Pedang) & cutlasses (Klewang)	Alamang Amanremu Balato Bara Sangihe Belida Co Jang Dua Lalan Gari Hemola Jenawi Krai Silai Ladieng Langgai Tinggang Luwuk Mandau Moso Niabor Pakayun Pandat Parang Nabur Penai Piso Halasan Piso Sanalenggam Rudus Rugi Sikin Panyang Sundang Surik
Daggers (Belati) & knives (Pisau)	Badik Dohong Kris Keris bahari Patrem Kujang Pasatimpo Palitai Peurawot Pisau raut Pisuwe Rencong Sewar Si Euli Tappi Tumbok Lada Wamilo
Choppers (Parang) & machetes (Golok)	Bendo Blakas Buko Guma Golok Ciomas Golok Rembau Jimpul Kabeala Kandawulo Kudi Parang Chandong Parang Latok Parang Taawu Peda Tangkin Wedung
Impact weapons	Cabang Gada Indan
Pole or spear weapons	Arbir Bambu runcing Bessing Kawali Lembing Pantu Trisula
Flexible weapons	Cambuk
Miscellaneous weapons	Celurit Kerambit Salukat Sumpit Tolor

Gunpowder weapon

Firearm	Bedil Bedil tombak Istinggar Java arquebus Pemuras Terakul
Cannon	Cetbang Ekor lotong Lantaka Lela Miniature meriam kecil
By name	Anak Makassar Bujang Timpang Berang Ki Amuk Si Jagur

Armor and outfit

Shield	Baluse Cakalele Kanta Klebit Bok Kliau Kurabit Peurise Awe Peurise Teumaga Salawaku
Body armor	Baju Empurau Baju Lamina Baju Rantai Baru Lema'a Baru Öröba Karambalangan Kawaca Siping-siping
Helmet	Katapu Paseki Takula tofao