MANDAU

Old style mandau, very old (estimated around 1880 or older).

Handle: Antler with remarkable interesting carvings for the advanced Borneo collectors.

The handle has a glossy patina all over and wear of use.

The rattan also is nice dark from handling and with no losses.

A chip of the small nose is missing, but already a long time ago as it has dark patina on it.

The handle shows a big "spiral eye" and a smaller eye right under the nose on both sides.

On top of the handle a figure had been carved, probably the inside of a body (skull and spine visible) with the flesh pulled aside. It is extending to the sides of the handle.

There is also a kind of sundisk carved on both sides of the handle.

Blade: The plain laminated blade is convex and concave, and 7 mm thick at the spine near the handle.

Scabbard: No scabbard.

Length: 64 cm.

Provenance: Obtained from a Dutch private owner.