Mandau for review

[kai]

Hello Willem,

"refurbished" is what comes to mind.
<snip>
All together a very nice mandau. restored and completed in situ.

D'accord.

I gues that various parts where combined. oldest first imho

Blade looks very old / pre 1900 possibly

The blade certainly is unusual which makes evaluation difficult. I get the impression that it is heavily worn and, thus, of decent age: The engraved decor is unusual - the somewhat rough craftsmanship may point to a local production. The decor at the tip is heavily worn which supports considerable age rather than late production IMHO.

Coins are dated, but are set in very recent resin.
Carrying strap looks well made and old.

I posit that the belt/strap might even predate 1920/1910.

scabbard carving style and quality looks old.

The varnish does result in an odd glossy look and appearance of more recent origin.

Handle is well carved, maybe it is old, but maybe of later date, might be upto late 20th century and made by a carver who still had the skills.

Can the carving style be attributed to any specific region?

handle wrapping is recent. same as the resin.

Yup.

side knife, blade looks old, but the carving on top of the handle much more recent in style , again imho.

snake skin side scabbard. very recent and unusual material.

Also the red fabric, of course.

Regards,
Kai