The MANDAU (sometimes also called “Parang Ihlang”) is the traditional sword of the Dyak tribes of Borneo. It was primarily associated with the Head Hunting tradition of the Dyaks but also used as a general-purpose jungle knife. It has a slightly curved single edge blade with a convex / concave cross section, allowing efficient strikes only along a circular line from top down. It is a fearsome and very efficient weapon in the experienced hand, and was really used for head hunting. This specific item is a late 19th C vintage with a 22 inches blade/ finely engraved pierced and filed. The handle is “L” shaped, carved from bone and bound with braided ratan. Original wood scabbard, partially carved and bound with rattan bands, and with a braided rattan belt. Total length 28 inches. Very good condition. The blade has few pitted spots. An age crack on the handle. Few of the rattan bands are a replacement. Rattan belt broken and part missing.