Mandau identification request

[jestuart21]

Hello All!

I recently acquired a sword that I believe to be a Dayak Mandau. However I am a complete novice and is likely I have no idea what I'm talking about.

My company moved buildinga at the end of 2014 and held an auction for all the art. I thought the sword was cool so I bought it. Now three months and countless hours of research later, I'm still not sure what I have. Here's what I do know:

- It has elephant carvings on the handle, I can't really tell what the handle was carved from. Any insight that could be offered on the possible material would be greatly appreciated.
- I have been told that the frame was high quality and expensive. I'm hoping that signifies that the sword was not made for the tourist trade.
- My employer stated that it was acquired at least 40 years ago but I have no way of verifying that.

Any knowledge that the forum can provide will be greatly appreciated.