Description:

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Central Kalimantan, Dayak peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. An interesting sword known as a mandau that was traditionally used by Dayak warriors during their headhunting ceremony. The hand-carved ox bone handle is wrapped in rattan fibers and presents a series of abstract zoomorphic creatures on the walls as well as tufts of horsehair projecting from the mouths of 2 larger creatures. The forged steel blade features a single-edged design with a thick spine, a gradually narrowing tip, and several brass inlays lining the convex face. The wooden sheath features an incised zoomorphic head on one side and is tightly wrapped with rattan fibers; an additional rattan carrying strap is attached to the verso. Size (w/ sheath): 3.6" W x 28" H (9.1 cm x 71.1 cm); (blade): 20.8" L x 1.6" W (52.8 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168953

  • Condition: Blade tang reinserted into handle cavity with adhesive residue visible around handle opening. Loss to ovoid inlay on one side of sheath as well as losses to a few brass inlays on convex blade face as shown. Large but stable fissure to bottom of bone handle. Minor nicks and abrasions to sheath, blade, and handle, with minor inactive insect damage near bottom of sheath, and light loosening to some rattan fibers. Nice patina throughout. Blade edge is still sharp.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 13, 2022 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000