The A to Z Guide to Mandau of the Dayak Modang

SAMARINDA - dayaktoday.com: This book Keuq Modang: Mandau Modang Simbol Kehormatan dan Identitas dalam Masyarakat Adat Modang (Long Wai) - Keuq Modang: The Modang Sword as a Symbol of Honor and Identity in the Modang Indigenous Community (Long Wai), serves as a comprehensive guide that explores every facet of the Mandau of the Dayak Modang, from A to Z. 

Within its pages, readers will find detailed discussions on the history, functions, and symbolism of the Mandau in the lives of the Dayak people. 

Each chapter reveals fascinating and educational insights, introducing various facets of the mandau—from crafting techniques to its use in traditional rituals.

The Mandau in daily life

Not only does this book explore these traditions, but it also provides a broader context on how the mandau has become an integral part of Dayak Modang identity. With a fluid and accessible writing style, it's perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Dayak culture.

As yu read this book carefully and quickly, you’ll realize that the mandau in Dayak culture is not just a weapon for warfare. It serves multiple purposes and carries many dimensions. Remember the saying, "Gnōthi Seauton!"

The mandau is an essential tool in the Dayak community, used for everything from earning a living to protecting oneself from threats. It plays a crucial role in traditional ceremonies, especially for men, while women use it for farming, gardening, and navigating the forest, serving both as a protective tool and a work instrument.

This book deserves a warm reception from all of us, as it represents an effort to tap into the wealth of knowledge passed down through generations. Who else will take on this task if not us? And when, if not now?

Dispelling misconceptions

This work also addresses numerous misconceptions. There’s a common stereotype suggesting that anyone from the Dayak community carrying a mandau is always ready for battle. In reality, for the Modang people of East Kalimantan, the mandau is incredibly multifunctional.

So, what does the mandau truly do? It’s a vital tool in the daily lives of the Modang people, particularly for men who are expected to own one. Day after day, the mandau is employed in various activities—farming, hunting, crafting, collecting rattan, chopping wood for cooking, and much more. These activities are inseparable from the use of the mandau.

The publication of this book sheds light on the fact that the mandau serves multiple functions and carries its own philosophy. Through the mandau and the philosophies surrounding it, we immerse ourselves in the customs, culture, and rich traditions of the Modang subgroup of the Dayak people.

This work by Frans Jiu Luay is the result of years of dedicated research, published with great effort. He is a committed Dayak Modang scholar aiming to help us understand how the Modang people truly live, relate, and integrate the mandau into their daily lives.

The release of this collaborative effort is worthy of celebration. It not only contributes to the exploration of Dayak culture “from within,” but also helps dispel misconceptions, enhancing our understanding of the Modang way of life through the lens of the mandau.

This book measures 14 x 21 cm and consists of 106 pages. Those interested can contact Frans Jiu Luay at 081254246578.

Publisher/Printer: Sinar Bagawan Khatulistiwa in collaboration with the Dayak Literacy Institute.

Luxurious. Printed in full color on 100-gram HVS paper, it’s designed to last for hundreds of years as a written document. 

-- Fidelis Saputra