Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 91:
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 lamellarpattern, similar to the pamor found onIndonesian kris blades, though this ishighly uncommon. The hilts are oftendelicately carved with various carvingdetails varying across the many tribes ofthe Dayak, but often depict creatures oranthropomorphic deities.This example in the Schmiedt Collectionfor example has nicely carved hilt, thoughnot to the level of the finest carvedMandau hilts. The blade is a relativelysimple style without the complex ironcarving found on other Mandau swordsthough retains some simplified Asodesigns chiseled into the base of theblade. The blade does display elementsof more complex scroll like carvingfound at the base of the blade and alongthe spine, and which according toShelford (1901) transcribing theKajamans of the Belaga district isreferred to as song bila, or a the flat slopeof the end of the blade in this cut intoconcave half circles.Likely dating to the first half of 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 29" Blade Length : 19 1/4" 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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