Zemanek-Münster

Sword "mandau"

Indonesia - Borneo, Dayak
not available anymore
Provenance
Dutch Private Collection
Hans Uwe Kiel, Eschweiler
Size
L: 62,5 cm
L: 24.6 inch

Description

the hilt wrapped with plaited plant fibre strings, horn knob, elaborate carved with figural and ornamental motifs, iron blade with skewed ending, wooden sheath decorated with ornaments and elaborate rattan netting, rep. (breakage at the knob), slight traces of corrosion and usage;
used for head hunting and as a machete in daily life. According to a number of sources the small knife was used, among other things, to remove the soft parts of the enemies cut-off heads. The “mandau” is used by many peoples of Kalimantan and is widely spread.


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