Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 280:
A distinctive Bornean sword of the Iban Dayak, called a Mandau or Parang Ihlang, these swords are found in 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 theconstructions, materials, and workmanship. The Mandau blade has a convex shape on one sideand somewhat concave on the other. The blades are often made of tempered metal and in somecases may display a lamellar pattern, similar to the pamor found on Indonesian kris blades, though this is highly uncommon. The hilts are often delicately carved with creatures oranthropomorphic deities.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a very fine complete example. The handle is finelycarved handle with a deep used patina. The scabbard complete and well made with finely agedpatina on the rattan and wood. The scabbard also fitted with a beaded counterweight called a talibukar and is indicative of the workmanship of the Iban tribe. The piso raut with a carved handle.The blade is a fine working example, with very fine fretting along the spine and called songbatong as it is in intervals along the blade. The blade edge of the form termed long ook mong by Tromp (1888).Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 26 3/4" Blade Length : 19" 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 ArchiveEthnographie. 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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