The twenty-first morning in Kalimantan felt more relaxed. After two consecutive days filled with quite energy-draining cultural activities (and slightly draining the patience of the Dayak dance instructor), Nisa decided today's agenda would be lighter, focusing on rest, reflection, and another unique cultural introduction: learning to use the blowpipe (sumpitan), the traditional wind weapon of the Dayak Tribe.
This activity was held in an open field behind the traditional house where they were staying or at the riverside eco-lodge area where they rested. Several Dayak youths skilled in using the blowpipe were ready, carrying long blowpipes made of ulin wood or selected bamboo, as well as small, pointed darts (damek) (non-poisonous tips for this practice, of course!). A simple target in the form of a rattan circle or a wooden board painted with a wild boar (imitation, naturally) was set up at a safe distance.
"Now, this is the blowpipe," explained a local guide, demonstrating how to hold the long wind weapon. "It was formerly used by our ancestors to hunt small animals in the forest or even for warfare. It requires strong lungs, sharp focus, and the correct blowing technique so the damek can shoot straight and hit the target."
The guide then took a dart, inserted it into the end of the blowpipe, took a deep breath, aimed, and blew quickly and strongly. Fyuuut! The dart shot straight and stuck right in the center of the target circle.
"Wow!" The Corrs exclaimed almost simultaneously, impressed.
"It looks easy, but try it yourself," the guide said with a smile, handing out several blowpipes to them.
Reza and Alex were the first to try. The results? Decent. Reza's dart flew, but slightly missed to the left of the target. Alex's dart was worse, flying only a few meters before falling to the ground. "My lungs aren't trained enough, I guess, Dad," Alex complained, panting.
Then came The Corrs' turn. Sharon, with her calmness, tried cautiously. She concentrated, blowing softly but focused. The result? Quite good! The dart stuck on the edge of the target circle. "Not bad for a first try!" she said, satisfied.
Jim, before trying, of course, had to analyze first. "So, this is a practical application of Bernoulli's principle of fluid pressure and the basic principles of projectile ballistics. The strength of the blow will determine the initial velocity of the dart, while the angle of elevation and gravity will affect its trajectory. Fascinating." After satisfying his theoretical side, he tried to blow. Fyuuut! The dart shot... straight up and then fell back down a few meters in front of him. "Hmm, it seems my calculation of the elevation angle was slightly incorrect," he muttered without shame.