Cheers Vandoo. Yes it is very heavy and I think it was for everyday use, in Bahasa Indonesian a Mandau biasa and not for upacara. I was at an auction several years ago and no one wanted it because of the lack of a scabbard, but I still liked the look of it. On a separate note I went to a Gawai Antu in Sarawak in 1992 and spent several nights in an Iban longhouse during the spirit festival - invited by a neighbour of a friend in Kuching (invite only not for tourists). I have some photos of the ceremonies, is this something the forum members would be interested in looking at? These people were incredibly hospitable and friendly, a special life memory for me.
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