The Balato is the traditional sword of the people residing in the Nias island, South West of Sumatra. These are considered quite scarce. The sword offered here for sale is an early 20 C. sword with an 18 inches blade with a straight edge and down curving spine tip. Wood handle shaped in a styled animal head and with a brass collar. The scabbard is wood bound with wide brass bands. Total length (in scabbard) 23 inches. Very good condition . One brass band is missing.