MANDAU FOR REVIEW
 

I Have this Mandau for review that I think is at least from the 1950`s maybe a little older ( the blade at least) and would like to hear from the Mandau collectors here for their feelings on this one..

Doesnt strike me as a Tourist item and more likely a user type
I could of course be wrong as it does happen.

Many thanks and looking forward to the conversation..

WELCOME TO THE FORUM. :D I AGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THIS MANDAU AS TO AGE AND LOCAL USE NON-TOURIST. THE CARVED DESIGNS ON THE HANDLE AND ESPECIALLY THE SCABBARD ARE NOT WHAT IS USUALLY SEEN ON DAYAK SWORDS SO PERHAPS ITS A TRIBAL OR REGIONAL DESIGN I AM NOT USED TO SEEING OR INFLUENCED FROM INDONESIA OR SOMEWHERE. EITHER WAY I LIKE IT. :cool:

Mandau
 

Hi Vandoo,

Yes it is an odd duck and I have been looking for one that is like it as far as the carving is concerned / I actualy found this one hanging in of all places a pawn shop !! the man behind the counter told me it was an old machette
from Mexico !! at any rate I paid the price he asked and took it home fo a light cleaning and the brass inserts magically appeared. what a fun day that was..

Hello Angus,

Welcome to the forum!

The fittings appear post-WW2 to me; the braiding seems to be plastic? The quality isn't up to ol' standards, of course, but I also have seen much worse! It's possible that this is a legit modern piece used for ceremonies.

The same may hold true for the blade but I hope our specialist members will chime in with their knowledge to verify my impressions.

Note that several Dayak tribes started early on with the production of "gift swords" which were often lavishly decorated even if not up to traditional standards and generally come with subpar quality blades. These were presented to more or less important visitors/luminaries and some examples are already antique.

Regards,
Kai

Mandau
 

Thanks for your oppinion

The plastic is communication wire the type you would find in an aircraft
hence the varied colors ( color code) I dont think that this was made as a wall hanger and was made to be used as it was used, if used for dance it wouldnt have the usage to the blade / the handle is nicely patinated, and was very dirty when I purchased it.. not to say that someone didnt use it here in the states as a weed whacker as this would more than fill the bill as a domestic chores type item.. again just my opinion