A distinctive Bornean sword of the Iban Dayak, called a Mandau or Parang Ihlang,these swords are found in institutional and private collections in varying degrees of quality. They are distinguished by a set of similar features, all varying in the level of quality of the constructions, materials, and workmanship. The hilt alsoinlaid with tufts of black hair likely human. The blade is a relatively simple style and inlaid with brass dots near the tip, and with some minimal fretwork along the slope of theblade. In this case Shelford (1901) refers to this type of blade, transcribing the Kajamans of the Belaga district, as song bila, referring to fretwork along the slope of the blade but without the complex iron carving found another Mandau swords. Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 27 1/2", Blade length : 22 1/4". References: 1. Van Zonneveld, A.G. (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land2. Heppell, M., et al, (2005) Iban Art: Sexual Selection and Severed Heads, C.Zwartenkot/Kit Publishers3. Sellato, B. (ed.), Plaited Arts from the Borneo Rainforest, NIAS Press, 20124. Fischer, H.W. (1909) Katalog des ethnographischen Reichsmuseums- Die Inselnringsum Sumatra, (vol. 4, Leiden)5. Shelford, R. (1901) A provisional classification of the swords of the Sarawak tribes. Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland. Vol. 31~. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com