Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 188:
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 of quality. They are distinguished by a set of similar features, all varying in the level of quality of the constructions, materials, and workmanship. The Mandau blade has a convex shape on one side and somewhat concave on the other. The blades are often made of tempered metal and in some cases may display a lamellar pattern, similar to the pamor found on Indonesian keris blades, though this is highly uncommon. The hilts are often delicately carved with creatures or anthropomorphic deities.This example in the Schmiedt Collection has a finely carved handle with a deep used and patina. The carving has the classic elements of the leech motif, with likely aso dog/dragon motifs. The scabbard of classic form and bound with rattan and with two charms of importance to the owner. The piso raut likely not original as the handle has a non-traditional carved form and likely later to the sword. The blade is a working example, likely made for usage, and of simple parang profile with a blade edge termed long ook mong by Tromp (1888).Early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 22" Blade Length : 17" 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 ArchivEthnographie. 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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