Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 114:
The Pandat, also knownas Parang Pandit is the war sword of theland Dayak or Bidayah of Sarawak, inNorth West Kalimantan (Borneo). TheLand Dayak is the name for severalindigenous groups found in southernSarawak, Malaysia and northern WestKalimantan, Indonesia, on the island ofBorneo, that are broadly similar inlanguage and culture (see also issuesbelow). The name Bidayuh means’inhabitants of land’. Originally from thewestern part of Borneo, the collectivename Land Dayak was first used duringthe period of Rajah James Brooke, theWhite Rajah of Sarawak during the 19thcentury.It is a two handed sword, used only as awar sword and never as a tool, a multiusewhich is so common to other blades fromthe Indonesian archipelago. The uniqueconstruction is such that the blade andhandle are forged from one piece of steel.Most examples are approximately 20-30inches with blades widening toward thetip and cut in a V shaped cut. The handlesoften mounted with brass bands and a bone pommel. The shape of the swords suggest that theyare often attributed to the Sidin or Bennah Dayak people.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine example entirely in iron as is traditional, withremnants of hair at the joint of the blade. The handle includes a bone protrusion with brass bandon the handle. The blade tip in an less common form more closely related to a parang bladeedge.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 26" Blade Length : 21 3/4"References:1. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2001) Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago.Leiden: Art Books2. Blair, L., and Blair, L. (1988). Ring of Fire. Bantam Books.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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