A Dayak Mandau from Borneo - SOLD

A Mandau, a.k.a. a parang ilang or "Headhunter's sword", of the Dayak peoples of Borneo.
 
The blade shows the concave/convex cross-section typical of these swords, with the left side having been hollow ground. The base of the blade and the spine have been adorned with delicate cut and pierced decoration. In addition, there are inlays of copper and silver, representing interwined dragons,  and lines of brass dots running along the length of the blade. There is some light rust, but no deep pitting aside from a few forging flaws, and it should clean up very nicely.
 
The deer-antler hilt has a nice patina, and is deeply and intricately carved with depictions of aso "dog-dragons" and writhing leeches. As leeches consume blood, they are associated with being a warrior. The rattan wrapping is still intact and secure, although it does slide a bit. The natural rubber adhesive which would have been applied around the bottom of the hilt has been lost, but the blade still sits firm in the hilt.
 
This example is unfortunately missing its scabbard and pisau raut side-knife. Overall, a very nice classical example of this weapon.
 
Blade length: 56.5 cm
Overall length: 70 cm
Late 19th century