Dayak Mandau parang sword from Borneo

A good Dayak parang sword ‘Mandau’ used for warfare and head-taking. This example has three large locks of taken trophy hair, including one affixed to the carved hilt. The blade slightly curved and engraved finely with designs along its back edges, and pierced with ‘krowits’ to the forte and lower back edge. The scabbard is carved with a freize of ‘tooth’ motifs  down its front, bound with brass bands, an upper panel with further extensive carved decoration. The reverse with a separate back sheath covered with fur, possibly monkey, containing an original unusual improvised knife with carved lacquered handle.Nice example circa 1900.

southern asia