The 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 19th Century; it has a 19 inch blade, filed and chiseled with scrolls and set with many brass dots. The pommel is of the “L” shape. It is carved from hard wood in a beautiful and intricate design and bound with braided rattan. The hilt is set with traces tufts of red hair. This piece comes with its original scabbard in wood, partially carved and bound with rattan strips, and with the original braided rattan belt. This Mandau comes with the compartment for a accessory knife (Piso Raout) made of wood bark (knife missing). Total length 24 inch (in scabbard). Good condition. The blade has few darkened spots but no pitting. The resin plug at the end of the grip is missing and so are few rattan bands on the scabbard. Altogether an original authentic piece for real use at a very reasonable price.