Head-choppers' sword called Mandau
Dayak culture, Borneo Island, Indonesia
19th century or earlier
Wood, plant fibers, antler, iron, mother-of-pearl and plant resin
Total length with scabbard: 67 cm; Width: 4 cm; Blade length: 64 cm
(very slight deficiencies)

The handle, called ulu, is made of antler, carved with an anthropomorphic mask showing pointed incisors, almond-shaped eyes and ears carved in volutes which refer to the pair of horns of the two half-masks of deer which complete the ornament of the handle.
The latter also features finely braided plant fiber bindings, the end of which at the heel is adorned with a natural rubber ring studded with a frieze of carved mother-of-pearl triangles.

The single-edged blade, with a flat back and two small teeth, is made of iron with a beveled point. On the first face, it is decorated with a double stylized kamang motif and a series of small inlaid blackened iron discs – a motif that continues on the third of the other face.

The scabbard, called a kumpang, consists of two wooden slats held together by three rings of plant fibers tied in rosettes and pigmented red. A third tie, held by a triangular bracket, supports the braided plant cord that serves as a suspension strap, allowing the weapon to be carried at the waist.
On the reverse, an old handwritten label bears the following inscription (passage interpreted in italics):
“Dayak from Borneo taken in 1858 from a Chief of the rebellious Dayaks and brought by my friend Auguste Couteron from Marseille. Each dot on the blade refers to the severed heads […]”.

Today, mandau swords are associated with headhunting ceremonies. They represent both weaponry and prestige. They belonged to hunters and warriors, passed down through generations. It is said that these weapons possessed supernatural powers. The spirit was believed to be imbued in a hair, placed on the sword's hilt. The sacred nature of the mandau is amplified by the combination of mother-of-pearl and antler wood.

Illustration image: Lacroix, Alfred François Antoine (1863 - 1948), Att. to, “Borneo. Dayak Chief in war costume. Lacroix Collection” 1929 © Musée du quai Branly.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.: 6736