The Nias people who live in the Nias island, South West of Sumatra, uses a very typical but rare swords. The sword offered for sale here is such an example. A slightly down curving blade, 20 inches long, widening toward the tip. Wood handle, beautifully and very elaborately carved in the shape of a mythical monster head. The scabbard is wood bound with braided rattan bands. The most interesting part of these swords is the rattan braided ball entirely covered with boar tusks (and one tiger, or maybe a crocodile teeth). This ball was used to hold talisman for good luck and victories of the sword bearer. Total length (in scabbard) 28 inches. Very good condition very good age patina on the wood and boar tusks. A real and rare find for the connoisseur collector.