Weapons and their meanings in Hamka's novel 'The Sinking of the Van Der Wicjk'

This article delves into the symbolic and cultural significance of weapons within Hamka's novel "Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wicjk" (TKVW), focusing on the characters and their actions. The narrative highlights Pendekar Sutan, a central figure whose real-life inspiration reportedly exists within Hamka's family, though it is considered a "family shame" and is not openly discussed.

The story is set in Batipuh Sepuluh Koto, Padang Panjang, a location chosen by Hamka despite the events being rooted in his own family. Pendekar Sutan, an sole heir in a matrilineal Minangkabau society, intended to pawn ancestral property for his wedding. His uncle, Datuk Mantari Labiah, refused, having already mortgaged family assets. This conflict escalated into a fatal confrontation where Pendekar Sutan used a dagger, killing his uncle.

Datuk Mantari Labiah's choice of weapon, a keris, is particularly analyzed. The keris, originating from Java, is archaeologically traced back to the 9th century and is often associated with Javanese feudal culture and patrilineal lineage. Its use by Datuk Mantari Labiah suggests a connection to these cultural traits, especially as he attacked Pendekar Sutan.

Following the incident, Pendekar Sutan was sentenced to 15 years in Cilacap prison, a judgment rendered by the landrad court in Padang Panjang. The article uses this narrative to explore the semiotics of the weapons, contrasting the Javanese keris with the dagger used by Pendekar Sutan, and linking weapon choice to the characters' cultural backgrounds and societal structures.