Arms & Armour, Asian, Ethno & More
By Scollard Auctions
Jun 13, 2024
Brea, California, United States
Auction featuring many fine examples of edged weapons, armour including many helmets and Japanese suit parts, ethnographic pieces featuring pre-Columbian, Filipino and Africa lots, a wide selection of jewelry, fossils and minerals as well as other assorted collectables.

LOT 33:

Ornate Dayak Mandau Headhunters Sword w/Scabbard


Start price:
$ 275
Estimated price :
$600 - $1,200
Buyer's Premium: 25% More details
sales tax: 7.75% On the full lot's price and commission
Users from foreign countries may be exempted from tax payments, according to the relevant tax regulations
Auction took place on Jun 13, 2024 at Scollard Auctions
tags:

Ornate Dayak Mandau Headhunters Sword w/Scabbard
Indonesia, Dayak Peoples Mandau headhunters sword with scabbard. Ornate well carved antler bone handle with fine detailing of a humanoid figure riding or being consumed by a zoomorphic beast. Handle with a natural resin pastiche section. Double-edged blade well formed and engraved with scrolling patterns from the ricasso and upper section to the tip, highlighted in white pigment. Forward section of the blade with a rounded tip and two pierced curlicue sections. Double scabbard in very ornate detailing consisting of a wood construction with long braided rattan belt. The blade scabbard is beautifully done with light and dark rattan wrapping, bone carved section matching handle, and relief carved sections of demons and humanoid figures. Known for their long standing tradition of taking heads and souvenirs like scalps or body parts the Headhunters have now been outlawed and Dayak peoples mostly used the sword as a working weapon such as a machete. Size 26 1/2" L overall, 16 1/2" L blade

California Arms Collection
Condition: Very good with some looseness and wear to components from age and use.