Paiwanese Sword?
 

I was given this sword by a family friend. She thought it was Japanese, but I knew right away it was not. I've been trying to do some research online and found some discussions on this forum with similar looking swords.

Im trying to figure out any information on this particular sword; whether or not it is authentic, how old it might be etc.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

IT IS FROM ONE OF THE TRIBES ON TAIWAN. USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION ON THE TOP SUBJECT BAR TO FIND SOME OF THE OLD POSTS FOR FURTHER INFO. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF COLLECTORS WHO WILL LIKELY BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU GOOD INFO ON THE SWORD. LOOKS LIKE A DECENT EXAMPLE TO ME NOT JUST A TOURIST ITEM. MEASUREMENTS MAY HELP THE EXPERTS.
WELCOME TO THE FORUM. :D

If you don't want it, I'll gladly pay ya for it! :D

It's an aboriginal blade from southern Taiwan... possibly Rukai, Paiwan, or Puyuma...

I'm not 100% sure... which one... yuanzhumin might be able to help with that.

Doesn't look to be tourist I think, the heads on the sheath look decently well-carved, and not in the same style that many touristy sheaths are... but, I could be wrong... there are occasionally some better looking examples. Not sure about those X-shaped flowers though... hmmm..


Does it have a chisel grind?

I think it may be Rukai . :shrug:
http://www.formosatribal.com/
More pictures of the scabbard, both sides ?

Very nice, I wished I had family friends who gave me swords .....

Hello
We all would like to see clearer pictures to be able to have a better idea. What about the dimensions?
From the little I can see, it seems to be a real/authentic/old Rukai ceremonial sword, from Taiwan, an opinion that I feel confirmed by the fact it was introduced to you as Japanese: Japan was the former colonial power of Taiwan and many authentic nice Taiwanese aboriginal artifacts were exported in early times to Japan for collecting, studying or exhibiting.
If you are willing to sell this sword, I think many of us on this forum would be interested.
If not, keep it as these Taiwanese aboriginal swords are valuable, rare and nice collectibles.
:-)