Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 10:00 PM UTC
Lot 9:
A distinctive Bornean sword of the Sea Dayak, called a Parang Jimpul, this swordis similar in style to the classic Iban Dayak Mandau and is the traditional weapon of the SeaDayak and Kenyah people from Borneo. It is often thought that the Parang Jimpul may beconsidered as a hybrid between the Mandau and Langgai Tinggang usually date to the late 19thcentury.They are distinguished by a set of similar features to the Mandau though the blade of the Jimpulhas flat sides and is distinctly curved with a widened point and a slanted or drop point. Theblade often has two or three grooves, running at short distance from the back, as well as hooksand protrusions (krowit) near the hilt on the sharp edge. Chased designs can be found on bothsides near the hilt while the hilt and scabbard are made in the same way as those of the Mandau.The blades are often made of tempered metal and in some cases may display a lamellar pattern, similar to the pamor found on Indonesian kris blades, though this is highly uncommon. The hiltsare often delicately carved with various carving details varying across the many tribes of theDayak, but often depict creatures or anthropomorphic deities.This example in the Schmiedt Collection for example is a fine early and complete fightingexample with a finely carved hilt with short tufts of hair. The blade has a single deep fullerrunning along the length of the spine and have a well-proportioned krowit near the ricasso. Theslanted edge also has several curved and carved iron protrusions with inlays of brass metal. Thehilt displays a pleasing patina and carving of leeches, classically found Dayak Mandau also, indicating an earlier sword, while the blade is finely proportioned. The original scabbard is invery fine condition with nicely patterned carving of leeches, red tufts of hair, and rattan binding.Dating to the 19th century. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 27 1/2" Blade Length : 19 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 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 fürEthnographie. Band 1. Pp. 22-26 Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com
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