A Salawaku (in the Tidore and Pagu languages), is a traditional shield originating from the Maluku Islands.

It is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and fragments of earthenware, and/or painted with kakean symbols (used by a secret society) and other ornaments; these materials often hint at the foreign aspect of the shields.

With this technique the defender catches his adversary's weapon, secures it in the wooden shield and then disarms him.

The shield is not only a defensive weapon, but thanks to its peculiar, narrow shape may be easily moved to deliver blows with the sharp rims and corners.

[4] Whereas in the Hasa dance which is only performed by men, who carry the Salawaku on the left hand and a wooden machete, Barakas on the other.