The sword of the day is the kelewang.
The kelewang is a single-edged Malaysian short sword, used against occupying Dutch forces in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its most notable features are the hook on the spine, which served a purely decorative function, and the intricate hardwood handle. Beautifully carved wooden handles are not unusual for swords from this part of the world, but I feel this one deserves special mention for its elegantly sweeping design. These attractive features made the kelewang an accessory for Malaysian men to wear in a formal capacity. However, its elegant appearance did not mean it was any less deadly; it was such an effective slashing and thrusting weapon that Dutch forces banned it and created their own saber based on it, similar to the cutlass.
