Sword "mandau" or "parang ilang

Description

complete with two-piece wooden scabbard and secondary knife, sword with long single-edged iron blade; elaborately carved handle of wood in the shape of an “Aso” with fine braided cuff of fern fibre (“Gleichenia linearis”) and tufts of goat hair; wooden scabbard with woven cane carrying strap and large Toea shell currency ornament; secondary knife with elaborately designed handle of different materials (bone, wood, metal), l: 39 cm

“Mandau” is the traditional weapon of the Dayak people of Borneo. The often elaborately crafted swords serve as precious gifts and are used ceremonially. In earlier times, they are said to have been used for headhunting.