Authentic Nias Headhunting Swords

[Cyclura99]

Hello forum memebers the swords are all mine. These are 3 from my collection. I have 20 Nias Swords, 2 shields and 2 spears > one headmans spear that is simply amazing (thanks Benny). I will ask Benny to post pics of that one later.All Authentic all meaning at least 19th c or very early 20th c used for headhunting .

As you can see no boars tusks are on the amulets.

The amulets are comprized of teeth from crocodile of the species C.Porsus Salt water crocodile( this speices is what you see on the show >The Crocodile Hunter) . The first example has the above crocodile teeth, carved teeth made from deer antler 4, also some type of big cat claws(yet to be determined the sp. ) The second sword has all crocodile teeth with a carved deer antler center plug with one small tooth carved from ivory. The 3rd example has Crocodile teeth, tiger fangs and one carved tooth of deer antler and has other fossile teeth its the one with the antique procelein bottle,a very big amulet.The amulet is a very old one you can see how dark the rattan is , you can see how the rattan is woven around the teeth ect.. Very old Patina.

As you can see from how the amulets are woven each one is different and made of split rattan or in the case of the first example from whole rattan what I call baby rattan not split.

The wood of the scabbards are made of red hard wood with heavy brass nice patina on the metal(brass ) and the wood.Its made in a particular style , the same .Some scabbards are wider some longer but the same.

You can also see the style of the carving of the handles is completly different than the later examples posted on this forum.You can see the wear and the patina on the handles . This only occurs over time, many years of use, this ie patina ect cannot be faked.

I hope this helps clears up any issues of what is Authentic Nias Headhunting swords and what are later examples used for dancing or made as replacements or made for sale.

All the best

Cy