| Parang latok | |
| Origin: | Borneo (Sarawak, Malaysia and West Kalimantan, Indonesia) |
| Type: | Parang, Sword |
| Is Bladed: | Yes |
| Used By: | Bornean Malay people, Dayak people (Bidayuh) |
| Length: | approximately 55cm (22inches) |
| Blade Type: | single edged, one sided chisel grind |
| Hilt Type: | wood |
| Sheath Type: | wood |
A parang latok (which is also known as latok, latok buku or parang pathi) is a sword from Borneo in Sarawak, Malaysia; where it is regarded as the national weapon of the Sarawakian Malay people and the Bidayuhs (Land Dayak people),[1] and as well as Kalimantan, Indonesia. It also functions as a machete.
Its used for both timber felling, agricultural activities and warfare is characterised by the noticeable bent at an obtuse angle from one-third of its length starting from the pommel.[2] This parang features a single-edge blade that is heavier and wider towards the point of the blade. The handle of the parang latok is made of wood without a guard and often tied securely with rattan at its grip. It is carried in a long, two-piece wooden sheath to properly hold the blade.[3]
In the past, the parang latok is also used for executing condemned criminals, and the decapitation is normally achieved with a single blow.[4] This parang is used two-handedly, with one hand holding the hilt and the other holding the blade's shoulder, enabling its user to strike downwards.
A smaller version of the parang latok is called the buko, while another variant of the parang latok is known as the sadap.[5]