The Aratel is an ancient Indigenous weapon traditionally used for hunting and for defending territory during times of conflict. More than a tool of combat, the Aratel represents responsibility, skill, and the deep relationship between people and their land. Crafted from locally sourced materials such as hardened wood, stone, bone, or metal in later periods, its design reflects both practicality and cultural identity.

Historically, the Aratel was used to protect communities from external threats and to hunt animals needed for sustenance. Its use was governed by strict cultural protocols—only those trained and entrusted with the responsibility could carry it. Elders taught that the weapon was never meant for unnecessary violence, but for balance, survival, and protection of the people.

The making of an Aratel often involved ceremony and prayer, acknowledging the materials taken from the land and the purpose they would serve. This process reinforced respect for life and the understanding that defense was an extension of stewardship.

Today, the Aratel is remembered as a symbol of resilience and self-determination. Preserved through stories, oral history, and cultural teachings, it reminds future generations that protecting the land also means honoring the values, discipline, and wisdom of their ancestors.