I recently acquired this Nias sword. As you can see from the pictures the talismanic ball needs rebuilding.
As I understand it Nias Warriors collected "power objects" like claws, tusks and fangs of dangerous beasts to enclose some sort of ritual objects, perhaps fetishes.
Would like to know what was in the ball also.
Tiger claws and large crocodile teeth were preferred.
To give an idea about size, the sword blade is about 20" long. I have not yet received the sword, it is in transit, but the ball is about 4" in diameter.
I also enclose a link to a Nias on Oriental Arms website (sold already) for comparision as to what it should look like.
http://www.oriental-arms.com/item.php?id=1189
I am not familiar with Nias and would appreciate any input as to where I might buy some fangs, claws or tusks. Boar tusks are plentiful. Tiger's fangs are hard to get in the open market.
I also would like input on the Nias sword.