Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 107:
A distinctive Bornean sword of the Sea Dayak, called a Parang Jimpul, this swordis similar in style to the classic Iban Dayak Mandau and is the traditional weapon of the SeaDayak and Kenyah people from Borneo. It is often thought that the Parang Jimpul may beconsidered as a hybrid between the Mandau and Langgai Tinggang usually date to the late 19thcentury.Jimpul are distinguished by a set of similar features to the Mandau though the blade of theJimpul has flat sides and is distinctly curved with a widened point and a slanted or drop point.The blade often has two or three grooves, running at short distance from the back, as well ashooks and protrusions (krowit) near the hilt on the sharp edge. Chased designs can be found onboth sides near the hilt while the hilt and scabbard are made in the same way as those ofthe Mandau. The blades are often made of tempered metal and in some cases display a lamellarpattern, similar to the pamor found on Indonesian kris blades, though this is highly uncommon.The hilts are often delicately carved with various carving details varying across the many tribesof the Dayak, but often depict creatures or anthropomorphic deities.This example in the Schmiedt Collection for example has a finely carved hilt with short tufts ofhair and showing the carved tusks and aso designs found on classic Mandau hilts. The hiltdisplays a pleasing patina indicating an earlier sword. The blade is classic jimpul form, flat onboth sides, with a long single fuller running along the spine and darkened while the remainder ofthe blade polished, creating a contrasting effect. The drop point of the blade carved with a floraldesign, and showing the influence it has on the beladah belabang sword.Dating to the late 19th century to early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 26" Blade Length : 21"References:1. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago.Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land2. Heppell, M., et al, (2005) Iban Art: Sexual Selection and Severed Heads, C.Zwartenkot/Kit Publishers3. Sellato, B. (ed.), Plaited Arts from the Borneo Rainforest, NIAS Press, 20124. Fischer, H.W. (1909) Katalog des ethnographischen Reichsmuseums- Die Inselnringsum Sumatra, (vol. 4, Leiden)5. Tromp, S.W. (1888) Medeelingen Omtrent Mandaus. Internationales Archiv fÃÆ’¼rEthnographie. Band 1. Pp.22-26.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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