This 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 late 19th or early 20th Century; it has a 20” blade plain and without decoration. The hilt is “L” shape, carved from old bone in a beautiful and intricate pattern and bound with twisted silver wire. The hilt was set with tufts of hair which is now gone, except from a short tuft of whit hair. This piece comes with its original scabbard in wood, partially carved and bound with rattan strips. An additional compartment (for the long knife) made from wood bark, and covered with red fabric is attached to the back of the scabbard, but the additional knife is missing. Total length 27 ˝” (in scabbard). The condition is good. The blade maintained most of its original black patina, but with few minor nicks on the edge. The rattan strips on the scabbard and the silver wires on the hilt are restored.