Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

  • Parang Ilang (Mandau)

Parang Ilang (Mandau)
Kayan - Kenyah - Bahau - Iban / Apo Kayan / Dayak
Bruneian Empire - Sultanate of Sulu - Sultanate of Bulungan - North Borneo, Dutch East Indies (Sarawak, Malaysia - North, East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia)
Last half 19th century (ca. 1850 - 1890)
Steel, wood, brass, beads, vegetal fiber, horn
Blade: 54,6cm
Hilt & Blade: 67,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 70,5cm
Collection Date: 2021
Collection Number: 171

The mandau, or parang llang, is the traditional sword of the Dayak cultures of Borneo and Sarawak. This example is most likely from the Apo Kayan cluster in Sarawak extedning into North and East Kalimantan from the decorative features. A moderately old example, from the last half of the 19th century with wonderfully detailed characteristics on the fine blade and beaded workmanship.

The single edged steel blade slightly curves upwards with 125 brass plugs on one side along with mata kalong engravings. On the reverse, 59 brass plugs are present (one missing) with more mata kalong engravings along the spine and at the forte. The spine has hand chiseled engraved decoration in its entirety.

The handle is of ironwood, now with a rich patina, and minor carvings. Missing its human hair plugs. Woven rattan grip and damar (resin) ring. The sheath of wood also displays a rich patina, with carving work at the top and bottom bound by four horn bands (poeset- blanak) with a rattan lanyard and beautifully patterned bead work. The carvings are of leeches (lemetek) and scrolls. The leeches stand for taking blood, of which they do to their enemies.

An old example, well used, and with some minor losses and damage, although a great quality one. The beadwork looks to be original and is rare to still be present. This style was commonly used by the Kayan peoples subgroup and may originate more specifically from the Baram District in the Sarawak region of Borneo. The number of brass plugs inlaid in the blade is greater than usually seen, which indicated an important owner who was also left-handed as the concave and convexed sides of the blade is reversed.