Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 186:
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 kerisblades, though this is highly uncommon. The hilts are often delicately with creatures oranthropomorphic deities.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a very fine example with a beautifully patinatedcarved hilt with the leech pattern in the hilt called (lemetek) and which is associated with bloodsucking and was considered an appropriate motif for a weapon. The blade is a simple formmade for usage with no embellishing fretwork or designs. The scabbard likely contemporarywith the blade and of carved wood with panels of hair or fur. The handle features a particularlyfine form of carving with the face of the hilt, the protrusion that seats the hand, showing the jawsof a creature, perhaps an alligator, and which is an uncommon carving. However, the quality ofthe workmanship and the aged patina indicate an early dating. This type of hilt of more complexform and carving but nonetheless an early and working life example of the late 19th to early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 24 3/4" Blade Length : 17 3/4"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.22-266. 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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