Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 127:
distinctive Bornean sword of the Sea Dayak this type of sword is called a niabor.The niabor has a convex edge and concave back broadening towards the tip in the form of acutlass and similar to the parang nabur. The blade usually has one or more broken hollowsections and no midrib. Most blades are not usually decorated though this example has someminimal decoration at the ricasso. In some versions, a projection, called a kundieng, is forged tothe blade, which is seated on the cutting edge and serves as a finger guard. The hilts are carvedin a distinct form with approximately a thirty degree angle between the handle and the projectingpommel. Often, the hilt is carved with traditional Dayak designs, including scrolls and leechmotifs. The leech (lemetek) is associated with blood sucking and so was considered anappropriate motif for a weapon and is found with this motif. Other motifs found on niaborsinclude phyllomorphic patterns with some common patterns called cantok referring to the resamshoots of Gleichenia dichotoma or telingai (scorpion), or entadok kaul (caterpillars interlocking).The Niabor is very similar to another Sea Dayak sword called Langgai Tinggang which has asimilar blade but a traditional Mandau style handle. These swords often would reflect theowners predilections and interests so would not always be doctrinaire in their construction.The example in the Schmiedt Collection has the classic niabor style hilt and blade. The finelyforged blade features an integrally forged kundieng projection and phyllomorphic decoration atthe ricasso and with an early patina indicating long use. The carved hilt with a rich patina alsoand patterned carving at the crook of the hilt, is secured to the blade with a brass wire.Likely dating to the late 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 26 1/2" Blade Length : 20 1/4"Comparable auction sale:https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21588/lot/22/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. Tromp, S.W. (1888) Medeelingen Omtrent Mandaus. Internationales Archiv fÃÆ’¼rEthnographie. Band 1. Pp.22-264. 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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