MANDAU SWORD - Dayak culture, island of Borneo, Indonesia - First half of the 20th century

MANDAU SWORD
Dayak culture, island of Borneo, Indonesia
First half of the 20th century
Steel, plant fiber, antler, skin
Long. Sword total: 68.5; Long. blade: 50.5 cm
Long. Total with case: 71cm

Single-edged steel blade, inlaid with brass stars and waves and finished obliquely on the tip.
Handle, called ulu , whose antler pommel is hollowed out with cavities lined with hair. Section of braided ligatures completes the rocket.
Wooden scabbard with geometric decorations in bone plate and dark wood, surrounded by threads in plant fibers and skin; A case for a single-edged stylus is attached to the wood and horn handle. Braided fiber shoulder strap with a pearl pompom.

Mandau are today associated with headhunting ceremonies. They relate to both weaponry and prestige. They belonged to hunters and warriors, passed down from generation to generation. It is said that these weapons were endowed with supernatural powers. The spirit was planted in a hair, placed on the hilt of the saber. The sacred combination of the mandau is amplified by the combination of fabric and antler materials.

Ref. : 1401

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON