Dayak, Indonesia
19th Century
Previous Collection: Joel Greene, San Francisco
Published: Arts of Asia Vol 29 #5 1999
This elaborate Mandau sword consists of an alloy blade and an intricately carved deer antler handle in the form of a fanged human figure with a menacing expression. The large imposing head with its original hair tuft is supported by two stylized openwork arms. Most Mandau use rattan as a wrap on the handle; this example is finely braided brass; this detail and its overall complex design suggest it was owned by an important tribal member.
This sword is 25 inches long.
The figure/handle stands 4 inches.
SOLD / IN 4-10-10
