Mandau

nechesh · 19th February 2006, 11:16 PM

Well, this is a new one for me and a little out of my usual keris/kris research, so i hope somebody out there can add to my knowledge base.I have always been attracted to Dyak weapons, but this is my first. It has been indicated to me that this one is probably from the Kenyah tribe and my thinking is that it is pre-WWII 20thC. I am most curious about the hilt forms and what particular symbolism they might have. Certainly there is some animal representation here, but i can't quite make out which ones.I am very impressed with the level of artistic sophistication that can be found in these hilts, a combination of the complexity of celtic knot work with the surreal imagry of a Bosch painting. Any addition info on these weapons would be much appreciated. I think this is your area Michael, are you out there?

19th February 2006, 11:16 PM	#1
nechesh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 940	Mandau Well, this is a new one for me and a little out of my usual keris/kris research, so i hope somebody out there can add to my knowledge base.I have always been attracted to Dyak weapons, but this is my first. It has been indicated to me that this one is probably from the Kenyah tribe and my thinking is that it is pre-WWII 20thC. I am most curious about the hilt forms and what particular symbolism they might have. Certainly there is some animal representation here, but i can't quite make out which ones.I am very impressed with the level of artistic sophistication that can be found in these hilts, a combination of the complexity of celtic knot work with the surreal imagry of a Bosch painting. Any addition info on these weapons would be much appreciated. I think this is your area Michael, are you out there? Attached Images