Is this a Dayak Mandau
 

Hi Guys

I have been asked to identify this sword by a member of a local collecting club. It is not in my area of expertise however I think it is a "MANDAU (sometimes also called “Parang Ihlang”) is a late 19C sword with a heavy long thick blade. The handle on this example is “V” shaped rather than the usual "L", carved from antler and bound with braided rattan strips. Ornately carved wood scabbard bound with brass strips. Good overall condition. Appears to be better quality than average, however may be missing its companion knife".

It does appear to have some age, however I know these are heavily copied for the tourist trade. I would be interested in the thoughts of some of you who specialise in this area. The V shaped rather than the usual L shaped grip is interesting.

Regards

Cathey and Rex

Yes, this is a mandau.
IMHO recent. These are also made today for dances so the final conclusion is for the more knowledgeable members.

I would agree that it is definitely a parang ihlang, but recently made, though not for the tourist trade.

Please define recent ?

Dear Cathey and Rex,

Do you have additional pictures ?

Back of the scabbard / close ups from hilt / scabbard / blade.

Best regards,
Willem

Well, for me recent is from the 1940s to the present.........

The scabbard bands from brass seems to be a later addition but the blade and handle as well the scabbard carvings don't look recent to my eyes. Blade seems to be very good worked and forged, the handle seems to have fine and nice carvings, nothing let me think by the first view to have here a recent sword. But would like to see some close-up's.

Regards,
Detlef

Posting a picture of a mandau with similar scabbard.

Also an example with later scabbard bands.
But on this mandau the blade and scabbard have a lot of patina.

I am sure that this one will not be considered as recent.
But how much differen are they apart from patina ?

Hello,

I think the scabbard is a more recent (last few years) replacement.

The sword itself, I believe to be from the second half of XX century (1950 or later).

But this is just my guess.

Anyhow it appears to be a well made traditional sword an scabbard. :)

Recent / last few years...

I don't think so.

But, some more pictures would help. (Cathey/Rex ?)