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 is a fearsome and very efficient weapon in the experienced hand, and was really used for head hunting. This specific item is of the rarer form, more curved blade and of a symmetrical cross section in contrary to the common blade with a convex / concave cross section This early 20th Century exemplar has a 17 ˝ inches blade Chiseled with scrolls at the spine. The pommel is of the “L” carved from old bone in a beautiful and intricate design (see details below) , bound with braided silver wires and set with tufts of black hair. This piece comes with its original scabbard in wood, partially carved and painted, and bound with rattan strips and few remains of colored hair tufts. Total length 24 inch (in scabbard). The condition is very good. The blade is clean and was not re-sharpened. The silver winding on the grip is later and the rattan strips holding the scabbard are recent. Altogether an original authentic piece for real use.