Dagger “dohong”

A dohong is a double-edged, lancet-shaped dagger or sword. The light-coloured wooden handle is grooved, the metal handle is decorated and designed in V-shape. There is no longer a scabbard.

It has ritual significance and was used at festivals for the dead (tiwah). Also on soul ships a figure tempon telon is often depicted, who holds a dohong in his hand to ward off evil spirits. According to tradition, it was used by the women of the village to greet the returning men after a successful headhunt. 

The handle can also be decorated with human hair and other examples include small amulets and animal teeth as appendages.