A classic Kayan mandau in perfect condition with a number of atypical attributes. This weapon was purchased many years ago in Holland from a time-honored arms and armor collection. It was presumably brought back from Borneo to Europe before the war during the colonial era. 

A great sword is a combination of its parts (blade, handle, and scabbard) that make a complete aesthetic statement raising it from an implement to a work of art.  Here, the blade is inlaid, but the forging at the bottom shows an opening, agape mouth with gnarly teeth.  An owner or admirer might opine, "udah nisap darah," or this is a blade that has successfully drunk blood. Quite an accolade in a warrior culture.

Extraordinary in all respects, the handle depicts a kinetic composition of intertwined aso and other protective supernatural beings, but it is the sheath that is astonishingly unique and puts this sword in a class of its own. I am always searching for rare, handsomely decorated scabbards with original and inspired bone plaques. Note the sinuous layering, almost like fossils, of piled-up creatures that enhance the true intent and spirit of this sword. The plaques are attached with bone pins carved to resemble screws. The use of an ornamented bezel of water buffalo horn is also uncommon. In every facet, this mandau is magnificent.