The Malay kepts the tradition of weaponary in various shapes and sizes tailored to their needs. Portuguese sources described various types of cannons, guns, swords, keris, blowpipe, spears and others used in Melaka during the way against Farenghes. The keris for example was a small weapon created for agirlity and speed. However the wound inflicted by the keris was known to be fatal other weapons such as the lawi ayam, small in size, was use in times of emergency and kept in the palm of the hand. Malay weaponary served various functions. Long and heavy weapons such as the cannon, sword, spear and the like were used during fights and warfare. In addition of decorations of the weapons including the keris and the sword became symbols of power, authority, personnel decoration, art and culture. Weapons also served as invaluable heritage and craftsmanship. The art of producing them were inherited through generations generally the Malay weapons consisted of 3 components, the bilt, the blade and shealth. The bilt is usually carved from wood, bones, metal and ivory. The blade is formed from cast iron, which at times is inlaid with copper and gold a decoration. It shealth is usually made of wood, leather or ivory.