Indonesia · Metalwork / Bladesmithing
Pembuatan Rencong
The Rencong is the traditional asymmetric dagger of the Acehnese people — one of the most distinctive bladed objects in Southeast Asia, characterized by its pistol-grip curve at the handle-blade junction, its forward-angled blade, and the Arabic calligraphy 'Bismillah' (In the name of God) encoded into its silhouette. The Rencong is both a weapon and a spiritual object — its form is said to embody the Islamic declaration of faith. Made from a combination of iron (blade) and brass or gold (fittings), with handles of ivory, horn, or wood, the Rencong was the weapon carried by every Acehnese man during the long resistance against Dutch colonialism (1873–1942). It remains the symbol of Acehnese identity and resistance. Master Rencong smiths (pandai besi) are concentrated in Baet village, Aceh Besar district.
Risk level: Critically Endangered · Not inscribed; recognized in Indonesian national ICH list
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