Williams Gallery West Collectibles - Swords, Knives, Spears and other weapons

SOLD

Early 20th Century Borneo Dyak Headhunter's short sword ( Mandau )

 Collected in Borneo in 1938

Etched geometric designs on blade.  Carved bone or antler handle.  Handle carving portrays a fierce warrior  or demon in battle garb with two monstrous faces.  Handle is solid with some cracking from age.  Original rattan binding is missing. 

Overall condition is fair.  Blade is in very good condition  and minor corrosion from age.

dimensions 21" long x 2" wide at widest point.  Handle is 4" long and approx. 1" diameter

The coast of Borneo is inhabited by Indonesians and a variety of immigrants, including Chinese, Japanese and Indian. The interior rain forest is inhabited by the Dyaks, who practiced tribal warfare, human sacrifice, cannibalism, and head hunting into the early 20th Century. The weapons of the Dyak warrior consisted of his short sword, the mandau, along with his side knife and the legendary blow pipe.  The Mandau  is a fearsome and efficient weapon used as a utilitarian knife, for warfare, and for head hunting.

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