Date: 16 Dec 2008 - 19 June 2009

Venue: Gallery 2, Muzium Negara

Synopsis

Traditional weapons passed down from generation to generation are of great historical and cultural value, arts of unsurpassed beauty and aesthetic value. Weapons traditionally related to elements of combat, defense and protection. Its function elevated to become a trade commodity, as tokens of friendship between states for diplomatic purpose, as a symbol of power and supremacy apart from its mystic and magic power. Nowadays, these traditional weapons are known for its fine artistry in metalwork and of superb technical skills possessed by the community that produced them.

There are various accounts concerning traditional weapons. Among the Malays, weapons such as kris, spear, lance, dagger, tumbuk lada and many others are somehow surrounded with superstitious and abounds with magic powers. The most distinctive of them all is the kris and a great part of it is associated with magic and divine intervention thus engulfing it in a mystery that remains unsolved. It is said that a kris holds the status and luck of its owner and behind each kris lays a greater philosophy on legends and mystical beliefs.

This exhibition aims to enrich visitors in experiencing themselves in the lost world of the best collection of traditional weapons. Apart from that multiple activities has been scheduled namely sales, demonstration, contests, seminar and many more to give these traditional weapons a new perspective.

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