Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 106:
A distinctive Bornean sword of the Iban Dayak, called a Mandau or Parang Ihlang, these swords are found throughout institutional and private collections in varying degrees ofquality. They are distinguished by a set of similar features, all varying in the level of quality ofthe constructions, materials, and workmanship. The Mandau blade has a convex shape on oneside and somewhat concave on the other. The blades are often made of tempered metal and insome 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 various carvingdetails varying across the manytribes of the Dayak, but oftendepict creatures oranthropomorphic deities. Thescabbards of some of the finerswords will often depict varioussymbols, such as the matakalung (necklace eye; paralleltwo dots with a carvingbeneath), mubung bilah (tombof ancient kings), kalung telu, kalung helat, and kalung asolejo (tiger).This example in the Schmiedt Collection for example hasnicely carved hilt, though not to the level of the finest carved Mandau hilts. The hilt also inlaid with shortened tufts of grey hair. The blade is a relatively simple style with a blade tip stylemost closely related to the style called li-po-tong based on research from 1888 from the Dutchresident in Koetei, where the Kayan tribe made mandaus of this form and style. The decorationalong the spine is also closely related to the form of decoration called mata joh.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 28 1/2" Blade Length : 22 3/4" Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
Share this lot:
