Items Similar to Traditional Tribal Mandau (Parang Ilang) Sword – Dayak People, Borneo
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Traditional Tribal Mandau (Parang Ilang) Sword – Dayak People, Borneo
About the Item
Traditional Tribal Mandau (Parang Ilang) Sword – Dayak People, Borneo
The Mandau is a traditional sword of the Dayak people of Borneo, revered both as a cultural artifact and a weapon. Known by various names among different Dayak subgroups—parang ilang among the Bidayuh, Iban, and Penan; malat by the Kayan; baieng by the Kenyah; bandau by the Lun Bawang; and pelepet or felepet by the Lundayeh—it carries deep cultural significance.
While the Mandau is often ornately decorated and used in ceremonial contexts, a simpler, utilitarian version called the ambang serves as a practical everyday tool.
Historically, the Mandau was closely tied to the Dayak practice of headhunting—ritual raids in which tribes sought the heads of enemies as trophies for spiritual and celebratory purposes. As such, the Mandau is not only a weapon but also a symbol of artistry, tradition, and ancestral heritage.
- Dimensions:Height: 28.35 in (72 cm)Width: 2.37 in (6 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:-
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Leuven , BE
- Reference Number:Seller: 28941stDibs: LU3301144451432
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2017
172 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 7 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Leuven , Belgium
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllShi People, DRC, Ceremonial Sword
Located in Leuven , BE
The Shi are an ethnic group located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (Zaire), mainly located in the South Kivu province. This old sword...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Arms, Armor and Weapons
Materials
Steel
19th Century Unusual Balinese Hanuman Mask in Polychromed Light Wood
Located in Leuven , BE
Unusual Balinese monkey mask-most probably a representation of Hanuman
Here is some more info from Ubud. Mask-making is one of the oldest art-forms in the world. In Bali, masks (t...
Category
Antique 19th Century Balinese Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Eight Antique Chinese Tobacco Pipe Holder Antrophomorphic Subject, Tobacco Curio
Located in Leuven , BE
Eight Antique Chinese Tobacco Pipe Holders with Antrophomorphic Subject, made of the Wood of Fruit Trees.
French Private Collection.
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Antiquities
Materials
Fruitwood
Antique Chinese Opium Box in Hammered Brass, Decorated with a Scene of a Rider
Located in Leuven , BE
The cylindrical opium container is executed in hammered brass and decorated with an expressive repose design of a rider in a landscape with blossom tre...
Category
20th Century Chinese Antiquities
Materials
Brass
Gujurat Region, North India, Statue of a Woman in a Long Skirt
Located in Leuven , BE
The woman holds her hands on her abdomen and wears her hair in a ponytail.
Category
20th Century Antiquities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Wooden Rice Box with Hand Painted Decorations
Located in Leuven , BE
Beautiful Chinese wooden rice box tracing back to 19th century China with hand painted decorations. A rare find filled with history !
Category
Antique 19th Century Chinese Antiquities
Materials
Wood
You May Also Like
Vintage Dayak Tribal Beaded Decorated Baby Carrier Borneo Indonesia
Located in London, GB
Vintage dayak tribal beaded decorated baby Carrier Borneo Indonesia.
The Tribal baby carrier beautifully made with wood base decorated with bead work cloth and clam shell decoration....
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Textiles
Materials
Shell, Cotton, Wood, Beads
Antique Traditional Indonesian Gong and bonang
Located in Milano, IT
This extraordinary piece of art from Southeast Asia exudes an ancient charm that transcends time, telling stories of distant traditions and cultures. Dating back to the late 19th century, this work is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans of that era, who infused life and soul into every detail.
The gong, the undisputed protagonist of this composition, is made of copper and features a dark patina that accentuates its antique and mystical character. This aged surface, which softens its original shine, adds depth and mystery, almost whispering the stories and rituals for which it was used.
Supporting the gong is a solid wooden structure, painted in a lacquered red that, despite the marks of time, retains a timeless beauty. The traces of wear reveal layers of underlying color, giving the piece a lived-in and authentic charm, as if it had witnessed countless ceremonies and sacred moments.
Alongside the main gong, two small gongs...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Indonesian Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Copper
Antique Japanese Koto Wakizashi Sword
Located in Dallas, TX
Japanese Koto Wakizashi Sword
Japan
Ca. 1400-1600s
Length: 24.25” Blade
Total Length: 27.25
Nagasa: 18.5”
Koto wakizashi, with wild midare (Soshu?) hamon, including wild boshi. Hada indeterminate, with Shakudo & gold dragon menuki, beehive design fuchi kashira...
Category
Antique 16th Century Japanese Japonisme Antiquities
Materials
Steel
Ten Auspicious Korean Traditional Embroidered Pillows
Located in seoul, KR
Ten traditional embroidered pillows given by a bride to her husband as part of her dowry during marriage in Korea's modern era. These embroidered designs convey auspicious messages r...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Antiquities
Materials
Fabric
$1,950 Sale Price
35% Off
15 Auspicious Korean Traditional Embroidered Pillows
Located in seoul, KR
15 traditional embroidered pillows usually given by a bride to her husband as part of her dowry during marriage in Korea's modern era. These embroideries feature traditional symbols ...
Category
Antique 19th Century Korean Antiquities
Materials
Fabric
$2,080 Sale Price / set
35% Off
Traditional Japanese Inro box with five compartments
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Traditional Japanese Inro Box with Five Compartments
Traditional Japanese inro box with five compartments. Classic design with dark lacquer and gold ...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Antiquities
Materials
Wood
