INDO662: Dayak Mandau Sword

19th century Iban Dayak Mandau sword. The handle is intricately carved with multiple Aso heads, foliage, and a large demon with fangs on the back side. The handle has a traditional style wrap, but instead of natural fiber it is monofilament fishing line. The scabbard has the same binding as this would have been an interesting strong foreign replacement material for the Dayak warrior. The scabbard is well carved in high relief with a monster head, leaches and foliage.The blade is well forged and has a row of inlay brass dots.    

29.5" overall with a 21.5" blade. 19th century Borneo, Indonesia.