The Balato is the traditional sword of the people residing in the Nias island, South West of Sumatra. These are considered quite scarce. The sword offered here for sale is an early 20 C. sword with a 17 inches blade with a straight spine and up rounding edge tip. Wood handle shaped in a styled animal head and with a brass collar. The scabbard is wood bound with wide brass bands. Total length (in scabbard) 22 inches. Very good condition . blackened areas on the blade but no pitting. One brass band is missing.