Miniature cannons used as dowry, sign of status in Borneo and Malay Archipelago

A slide shared by Teoh showing miniature cannons of Borneo.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, July 14: Miniature cannons of the Borneo and the Malay Archipelago were once the preferred monetary tender, desirable marriage dowry, treasured heirlooms and status symbols of the locals.

According to paper and book conservator of rare manuscripts, Alex Teoh, miniature cannons crafted since the early sultanates inherited the artistic, cultural and religious influence resulting from trade with China, India, the Middle East, and Europe.

“These miniature cannons are now for decoration, and larger ones are often displayed in museum compounds around the country with historical significance.”

Teoh highlighted this during his talk on “The Might of the Miniature Cannon”, at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium today.

A slide shared by Teoh showing Malay miniature cannons.

Teoh elaborated that miniature cannons are generally between 4 and 24 inches in length and a metre-long cannon can weigh 60 kilogrammes.

He said that these miniatures are designed and decorated like larger cannons.

“These cannons can also be designed in the form of a fat buffalo, crocodile, dragon, and phoenix, and they can be single or double barrel.”

Teoh also revealed that some designs suggest that the miniature cannons could have played a part in spiritual and magical use and were used in ceremonies to drive away evil spirits and epidemics.

Throughout history, cannons were not only used as weapons of war for fighting and defences but also as a means of communication.

“As communication tools, they were fired for signalling and warning. They were usually at strategic locations, like a fort, riverbank or hill.”

Teoh delivering his talk on ‘The Might of the Miniature Cannon’ at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium today (July 14, 2024).

Teoh noted that today, cannons are still used in royal ceremonies or to transmit important messages, including the announcement of a royal birth or death.

“In Brunei for example, it is still fired to mark the announcement of a royal birth or a death or conferring an award,” he further shared.

“Miniature cannons have historical significance, and such artefacts deserve to be preserved,” he added. — DayakDaily