| Accession Number | AWM2018.171.2 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Borneo |
| Date made | pre 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Dayak Parang : NX44333 Lieutenant Cresswell Herbert Chalmers
Description
Steel single-edged parang (machete) with convex edge and wooden grip. The parang's wooden scabbard is bound with plant fibre twine and terminates in a copper chape (tip).
History / Summary
This parang was collected by Lieutenant Cresswell Herbert Chalmers during his service in Borneo as part of Z Special Unit. It belonged to a 'village headman' possibly named Arepo. Arepo was central to facilitating the local Dayaks to become soldiers and guides for Chalmers' unit, 'Platypus 8'. Arepo presented this parang to Chalmers as he was standing in chest deep water about to board a Catalina flying boat to take them out of the village.