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Traditional Tribal Mandau (Parang Ilang) Sword – Dayak People, Borneo
$3,957.29
£2,943.82
€3,300
CA$5,418.88
A$6,025.06
CHF 3,145.95
MX$73,339.67
NOK 40,141.01
SEK 37,610.21
DKK 25,121.08
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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
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