Fall Fine Antique Arms, Armor & Art, Oct.26th
Lot 5260:
A distinctive Bornean sword of the Iban Dayak, called a mandau these swords are found in institutional and private collections in varying degrees of quality. They are distinguished by a set of similar features, all varying in the level of quality of the constructions, materials, and workmanship.
The mandau is a slashing weapon, historically used for headhunting but also as an everyday machete. It is worn edge-upwards on the left hip, almost in the Japanese fashion. The blade generally have a convex shape on one side and somewhat concave on the other. The blades are often made of tempered metal and in some cases may display a lamellar pattern, similar to the pamor found on Indonesian kris blades, though this is highly uncommon. The hilts are often delicately carved with creatures or anthropomorphic deities. This example in the Schmiedt Collection has a simply carved hilt. The blade is well made example made for usage and not for dance or tourist sales, with the style with the blade tip most closely related to the style called leng ook mong based on research from 1888 from the Dutchresident in Koetei, where the Kayan tribe made mandaus of this form and style (Tromp 1888).The blade is a heavy example made for use, with minimal decorative design, except for the stylized finger guard called an ikang. The simple form of the blade end is referred to assong bang, according to Shelford (1901) transcribing the Kajamans of the Belaga district.Dating to the early to mid-20th century.
Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 28" Blade Length : 22".
References:
1. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land
2. Heppell, M., et al, (2005) Iban Art: Sexual Selection and Severed Heads, C.Zwartenkot/Kit Publishers
3. Sellato, B. (ed.), Plaited Arts from the Borneo Rainforest, NIAS Press, 2012
4. Fischer, H.W. (1909) Katalog des ethnographischen Reichsmuseums- Die Inselnringsum Sumatra, (vol. 4, Leiden)
5. Tromp, S.W. (1888) Medeelingen Omtrent Mandaus. Internationales Archiv Ethnographie. Band 1. Pp.22-266. Shelford, R. (1901) A provisional classification of the swords of the Sarawak tribes. Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland. Vol. 31.
Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected].
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