Katapu

In the Katapu world, there is a wealth of information and opinions that can be overwhelming for those seeking to better understand this topic. From different perspectives and approaches, Katapu has been the subject of debate and discussion throughout history, and its relevance in today's society continues to be a topic of great interest. In this article, we will explore the multiple facets of Katapu, with the aim of offering a complete and enriching vision of this very relevant topic. From its origin to its impact today, we will embark on a journey of discovery to better understand Katapu and its relationship with the world around us.

A katapu cap

Katapu or Kalapu is a traditional war cap or helmet used by the Dayaks of Borneo (Indonesia and Malaysia).: 344 : 158  The katapu is only worn during war.

Description

The Katapu is made of natural materials. It is woven from thick rattan strands that are split lengthways in the middle. It has a sturdy inner helmet that offers protection against sword blows. The helmet is often reinforced with other materials such as metal plates, large fish scales, pangolin scales, and the skins of bears, monkeys, and other animals.

The decorations of the helmets are often designed in the shape of a monster head. Materials used for decoration include wattle, poultry feathers, claws, beaks, skulls of hornbills, human hair, hair of other living things, shells (including the Nassa shell), and the teeth of bears and panthers. Hornbill feathers can also be used a decorative status symbol for warriors who have already fought in war; the feathers can represent the number of enemies killed.

The edge of the helmet can be framed with metal strips or wrapped in red flannel.

Katapu are used not only to protect against wounds, but also to act martially on the battlefield.

Variants

There are different versions of the Katapu throughout Indonesia.

Katapu Kaloi is a Sea Dayak war cap, made by sewing large fish scales on a cap made from a bast-like material.: 344 

Gallery

  • Katapu made of rattan with a hornbill skull
    Katapu made of rattan with a hornbill skull
  • Katapu made of rattan, decorated with fish scales
    Katapu made of rattan, decorated with fish scales
  • Katapu made of rattan, covered with animal fur
    Katapu made of rattan, covered with animal fur
  • Katapu made of rattan, decorated with pangolin scales
    Katapu made of rattan, decorated with pangolin scales
  • Katapu made of rattan, set with feathers and bird claws
    Katapu made of rattan, set with feathers and bird claws

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Stone, George Cameron (1999). Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times. Courier Corporation. ISBN 9780486407265.
  2. ^ Lewandowski, Elizabeth J. (2011). The Complete Costume Dictionary. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 9780810877856.
  3. ^ Crawley, Ernest (2019). Revival: Dress, Drinks and Drums (1931): Further Studies of Savages and Sex. Routledge. ISBN 9781351344517.
  4. ^ Albert G. van Zonneveld: Traditional weapons of the Indonesian archipelago. Zwartenkot Art Books, Leiden 2001, ISBN 90-5450-004-2, S. 61.

Further reading

  • George Cameron Stone: A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times. With an Introduction by Donald J. LaRocca. Courier Dover Publications, Mineola NY 1999, ISBN 0-486-40726-8, p. 341.


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