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 early 20th Century; it has a 20 inch blade, filed and chiseled with scrolls at the spine and set with many brass rondels arranged in perpendicular lines. The pommel is of the “L” shape. It is carved from old antler horn in a beautiful and intricate design (see details) and bound with braided rattan. The hilt is set with tufts of black/red hair (human???) and several short hair tufts in various colors. This piece comes with its original scabbard in wood, partially carved and bound with rattan strips. Total length 27 inch (in scabbard). The condition is very good. The blade is clean and was not re-sharpened. There are some cracks and some repair signs to the scabbard and the rattan binding on the scabbard is recent. Altogether an original authentic piece for real use.