Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 16:
A 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 floraldecoration the entire length of the blade. In some versions, a projection is forged to the blade, which is seated on the cutting edge and serves as a finger guard. This is called kundieng. It istypical of these swords. The hilt carved in in a distinct form with a thirty degree angle betweenthe handle and the projecting pommel. Often, the hilt is carved with traditional Dayak designs, including scrolls and leech motifs. The leech (lemetek) is associated with blood sucking and sowas considered an appropriate motif for a weapon.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 for example has the hilt of a niabor and the blade formof a langgai tinggang and is a well preserved example with a finely made blade displaying awell-defined blade profile including floral decoration along the face of the blade. The hilt isseated to the blade with a cast brass bolster. The sword retains its original scabbard of carvedwood with fine carving to the mouth of the scabbard.Likely dating to the early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 28 1/2"Blade Length : 21 1/2". 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 PublishersDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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