Another mandau Qs

Battara · 8th May 2015, 03:26 PM

A couple of thoughts:

The blade is a European trade blade.

The figure maybe an ancestor or deity for protection. I have not seen many of these attached to these pieces in the past. I think this is unique.

Carvings on the pommel and scabbard are mostly of asos- stylized dog/dragons.

Than you for sharing this.

David · 8th May 2015, 06:19 PM

AFAIK, one of the key features that identify a true mandau is that the blade is convex on one side and somewhat concave on the other. This blade appears to be rather flat. It could be a trade blade as José has suggested or simply something turned out quickly for market sale.
I didn't turn up any hits on the name. I would say that it is not common practice to engrave one's name on the blade like this.
Figures, beads, shells, etc. are often attached to mandau sheaths as talismanic power items. I would image that this figure is meant to act in that facility.

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8th May 2015, 03:26 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	A couple of thoughts: The blade is a European trade blade. The figure maybe an ancestor or deity for protection. I have not seen many of these attached to these pieces in the past. I think this is unique. Carvings on the pommel and scabbard are mostly of asos- stylized dog/dragons. Than you for sharing this.

8th May 2015, 06:19 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,127	AFAIK, one of the key features that identify a true mandau is that the blade is convex on one side and somewhat concave on the other. This blade appears to be rather flat. It could be a trade blade as José has suggested or simply something turned out quickly for market sale. I didn't turn up any hits on the name. I would say that it is not common practice to engrave one's name on the blade like this. Figures, beads, shells, etc. are often attached to mandau sheaths as talismanic power items. I would image that this figure is meant to act in that facility.