historical-nonfiction:This is the kujang, a sickle-shaped...

historical-nonfiction:

This is the kujang, a sickle-shaped dagger believed to uphold the balance of the world. Once popular with Javanese kings, the kujang’s distinctly shaped blade was believed to have been inspired by a divine message proclaiming their sovereignty. Unlike many blades, the shape of the kujang did not come from advances in weapons technology. The original kujang was a farming tool, but a Javanese king named Kudo Lalean claimed he saw a weapon that symbolized the united Java island in a prophetic vision. After the dream, he had his best blacksmith craft the mystical blade. The result was a weapon in the shape of the island, which had three holes to symbolize the three main deities of the Hindu religion.