Karambalangan

Javanese body armor

Karambalangan is a type of personal armor from Java. It is a metal coating worn in front of the chest or breastplate.^[1]^: 320^[2]^: 802

History

The Kakawin Ramayana (c. 870 AD), which is the Javanese version of Valmiki's epic Ramayana (c. 500 BC), mentions clothing and armor that reflect the era. A member of the royal family is said to wear crown, padaka (collar, medallion, or breastplate), karambalangan (girdle or plastron) and use gold-plated armor even in battle.^[2]^: 802^[3]^: 27

Karambalangan was recorded in the Kidung Panji Wijayakrama-Rangga Lawe (written as early as 1334 AD),^[4]^: 56 which mentioned that Rangga Lawe wore karambalangan manik (jeweled karambalangan) when he rebelled against Majapahit (1295 AD).^[5]^: 187 Emperor Raden Wijaya in that kidung was recorded using golden karambalangan manik.^[5]^: 105

In the Kidung Sundayana, it is written that Gajah Mada before the Bubat tragedy wore a karambalangan (a metal plate on the front of the chest—breastplate) decorated with gold emboss, armed with a gold-plated spear, and a shield decorated with diamonds.^[6]^[7]

References

^ Nugroho, Irawan Djoko (2011). Majapahit Peradaban Maritim. Suluh Nuswantara Bakti. ISBN 978-602-9346-00-8.
^ ^a ^b Zoetmulder, P. J. (1982). Old Javanese-English dictionary. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff. ISBN 9024761786.
^ Tjoa-Bonatz, Mai Lin (2019). "JAVA : ARTS AND REPRESENTATIONS. Art historical and Archaeometric Analyses of Ancient Jewellery (7–16th C.) : The Prillwitz Collection of Javanese Gold". Archipel (97): 19–68.
^ Damais, Louis-Charles (1958). "I. Études d'épigraphie indonésienne : V. Dates de manuscrits et documents divers de Java, Bali et Lombok" Bulletin de l'École Française d'Extrême-Orient. Tome 49, pp. 1-257.
^ ^a ^b Berg, C.C. (1930). Rangga Lawe: Middeljavaansche Historische Roman: Critisch uitgegeven. Batavia: Kon. Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (Bibliotheca Javanica, 1).
^ Berg, Kindung Sundāyana (Kidung Sunda C), Soerakarta, Drukkerij “De Bliksem”, 1928.
^ Nugroho, Irawan Djoko (6 August 2018). "Baju Baja Emas Gajah Mada". Nusantara Review. Retrieved 14 August 2019.

Indonesian traditional weapons, armors, and premodern gunpowder-based weapons

Traditional weapon

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