Hello Max,

Thank you for choosing Mearto for your online appraisal and for your patience. It seems your item was previously assigned to an expert who is no longer with Mearto.

Regarding your item:

This item is a Dayak Mandau or Parang Ilang Sword, originating from the Dayak people of Borneo, likely crafted in the mid-20th century. The Mandau holds significant cultural and ceremonial importance among the Dayak tribes and is often regarded as a symbol of status and power.

The Dayak people, indigenous to the island of Borneo, have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with their natural surroundings. Traditionally, they lived in longhouses clustered along rivers and relied on subsistence farming, hunting, and gathering for their livelihoods. The Mandau sword holds a central place in Dayak society, symbolizing not only prowess in battle but also social status, spirituality, and ancestral connections.

In Dayak culture, the Mandau is often passed down through generations and is used in various ceremonial and ritualistic contexts, including headhunting ceremonies, traditional dances, and rites of passage. The intricate carvings adorning the sword's hilt and blade often depict motifs inspired by nature, ancestral spirits, and mythological creatures, reflecting the Dayak people's deep spiritual beliefs and animistic worldview.

Crafted with a distinctively curved single-edged blade, the Mandau features intricate carvings and embellishments along its spine, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak people. The hilt of the sword typically showcases ornate carvings of mythical creatures or spiritual symbols, further accentuating its ceremonial significance.

Despite its fair condition, this Mandau sword retains its historical and cultural value, serving as a tangible link to the traditions and customs of the Dayak tribes of Borneo.

Thank you again for submitting your item and I hope that you have a nice day!

Kind regards,
David U.