Is this a Dayak Mandau

Cathey · 1st August 2016, 07:36 AM

Hi Guys

I have been asked to identify this sword by a member of a local collecting club. It is not in my area of expertise however I think it is a "MANDAU (sometimes also called “Parang Ihlang”) is a late 19C sword with a heavy long thick blade. The handle on this example is “V” shaped rather than the usual "L", carved from antler and bound with braided rattan strips. Ornately carved wood scabbard bound with brass strips. Good overall condition. Appears to be better quality than average, however may be missing its companion knife".

It does appear to have some age, however I know these are heavily copied for the tourist trade. I would be interested in the thoughts of some of you who specialise in this area. The V shaped rather than the usual L shaped grip is interesting.

Regards

Cathey and Rex

Henk · 1st August 2016, 11:02 AM

Yes, this is a mandau.
IMHO recent. These are also made today for dances so the final conclusion is for the more knowledgeable members.

Battara · 1st August 2016, 04:22 PM

I would agree that it is definitely a parang ihlang, but recently made, though not for the tourist trade.

asomotif · 1st August 2016, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I would agree that it is definitely a parang ihlang, but recently made, though not for the tourist trade.

Please define recent ?

asomotif · 1st August 2016, 11:43 PM

Dear Cathey and Rex,

Do you have additional pictures ?

Back of the scabbard / close ups from hilt / scabbard / blade.

Best regards,
Willem

Battara · 2nd August 2016, 01:44 AM

Well, for me recent is from the 1940s to the present.........

Sajen · 3rd August 2016, 11:00 AM

The scabbard bands from brass seems to be a later addition but the blade and handle as well the scabbard carvings don't look recent to my eyes. Blade seems to be very good worked and forged, the handle seems to have fine and nice carvings, nothing let me think by the first view to have here a recent sword. But would like to see some close-up's.

Regards,
Detlef

asomotif · 20th August 2016, 11:47 PM

Posting a picture of a mandau with similar scabbard.

Also an example with later scabbard bands.
But on this mandau the blade and scabbard have a lot of patina.

I am sure that this one will not be considered as recent.
But how much differen are they apart from patina ?

mariusgmioc · 21st August 2016, 10:06 AM

Hello,

I think the scabbard is a more recent (last few years) replacement.

The sword itself, I believe to be from the second half of XX century (1950 or later).

But this is just my guess.

Anyhow it appears to be a well made traditional sword an scabbard.

asomotif · 21st August 2016, 10:59 PM

Recent / last few years...

I don't think so.

But, some more pictures would help. (Cathey/Rex ?)

1st August 2016, 07:36 AM	#1
Cathey Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 282	Is this a Dayak Mandau Hi Guys I have been asked to identify this sword by a member of a local collecting club. It is not in my area of expertise however I think it is a "MANDAU (sometimes also called “Parang Ihlang”) is a late 19C sword with a heavy long thick blade. The handle on this example is “V” shaped rather than the usual "L", carved from antler and bound with braided rattan strips. Ornately carved wood scabbard bound with brass strips. Good overall condition. Appears to be better quality than average, however may be missing its companion knife". It does appear to have some age, however I know these are heavily copied for the tourist trade. I would be interested in the thoughts of some of you who specialise in this area. The V shaped rather than the usual L shaped grip is interesting. Regards Cathey and Rex Attached Images

20th August 2016, 11:47 PM	#8
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Posting a picture of a mandau with similar scabbard. Also an example with later scabbard bands. But on this mandau the blade and scabbard have a lot of patina. I am sure that this one will not be considered as recent. But how much differen are they apart from patina ? Attached Images

21st August 2016, 10:06 AM	#9
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,903	Hello, I think the scabbard is a more recent (last few years) replacement. The sword itself, I believe to be from the second half of XX century (1950 or later). But this is just my guess. Anyhow it appears to be a well made traditional sword an scabbard. Last edited by mariusgmioc; 21st August 2016 at 12:30 PM.

1st August 2016, 11:02 AM	#2
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Yes, this is a mandau. IMHO recent. These are also made today for dances so the final conclusion is for the more knowledgeable members.

1st August 2016, 04:22 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	I would agree that it is definitely a parang ihlang, but recently made, though not for the tourist trade.

1st August 2016, 11:43 PM	#5
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Dear Cathey and Rex, Do you have additional pictures ? Back of the scabbard / close ups from hilt / scabbard / blade. Best regards, Willem

2nd August 2016, 01:44 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	Well, for me recent is from the 1940s to the present.........

3rd August 2016, 11:00 AM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,788	The scabbard bands from brass seems to be a later addition but the blade and handle as well the scabbard carvings don't look recent to my eyes. Blade seems to be very good worked and forged, the handle seems to have fine and nice carvings, nothing let me think by the first view to have here a recent sword. But would like to see some close-up's. Regards, Detlef

21st August 2016, 10:59 PM	#10
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Recent / last few years... I don't think so. But, some more pictures would help. (Cathey/Rex ?)