Bidspirit auction | LOT OF 3 ANTIQUE DAYAK

LOT OF 3 ANTIQUE DAYAK HEADHUNTER SWORDS, BORNEO - Collection of three antique Dayak headhunter swords and associated scabbards, Borneo, Indonesia/Malaysia, likely late 19th to early 20th century. The group represents several related forms of traditional Dayak edged weapons, including examples associated with the mandau / parang ilang tradition. The swords feature hand-forged single-edged iron or steel blades of varying forms, accompanied by elaborately constructed traditional mounts. One example has a finely carved antler or bone hilt terminating in an openwork zoomorphic finial, the grip wrapped with finely braided fiber and embellished with a long hair tuft. Another features a highly sculptural carved hilt with scrolling Dayak ornament, woven rattan grip and prominent black, white and red hair decoration. Such carved antler or wood hilts, rattan bindings and hair ornamentation are characteristic features of traditional mandau and related Dayak swords.. The corresponding wooden scabbards are particularly decorative, incorporating deeply carved geometric and curvilinear Dayak motifs, multiple rattan bindings, colored decoration, hair tufts, beads, and suspended bone or tooth ornaments. One scabbard retains a secondary utility knife, a traditional feature frequently encountered with the mandau. This smaller knife, generally known as a pisau raout or by related regional names, was carried in an auxiliary sheath attached to the main scabbard and served for carving, working rattan and other everyday tasks.. The mandau, also known regionally as parang ilang, is among the best-known weapons of the indigenous Dayak peoples of Borneo. It functioned both as an important everyday cutting implement and as a prestige and martial weapon and is historically associated with the headhunting traditions for which various Dayak groups became famous during the 19th century. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 30 3/8”, Blade length : 20”. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 20 3//8”, Blade length : 19 3/4”. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 20 3/4”, Blade length : 16”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.