An original Indonesian Mandau sword

A beautiful original Mandau. Mandau is the traditional weapon of the Kayan Busang people near the Mahakam river in East Kalimantan. Mandau is usually ceremonial. However, a less extensive version with the name Ambang is used as a practical tool for every day.

Associated with the Headhunting ceremony, where people gather to attack other tribes and collect heads to be used in different festivities, Mandau is both a work of art and a weapon.

This weapon shows the original elements: The blades have a typical model and have S-shaped figures on one side, this is called mata joh. On the same side of the blade is lantak paku present, these are inlaid circles of copper. The gree, called ulu, is made of bone and provided with hair. The scabbard is made of wood and leather and richly decorated with many decorations such as: artificial carvings, animal skin, animal teeth, beads and rattan wickerwork. Some beads have come loose over time, but are included. The blade is 57 cm. long by the sword and the whole sword is 75 cm. long. The ax of the bijmes is 12 cm. and the entire knife 50 cm. long. The handle is made of deer horn.