INDO416: Bahau Mandau Sword

Dayak Mandau sword with an excellent decorated blade from the Bahau peoples of Borneo. The wood handle is well carved, adorned with hair, has the original woven twine wrap and pitch base and has a great dark patina from age and use. The blade is heavy and has aso figures chiseled into the length of the blade. The scabbard is in good condition with rattan bands, but has a small loss right at the tip. The Pisau carving knife is old and original with a nice blade and good patina.    

Previously sold at Christies Amsterdam from the collection of Herbert De Silva.

26" overall with a 20" blade. 19th century, Borneo, Indonesia.