A DAYAK SWORD AND SHEATH, mandau, with metal blade and bone hilt partially bound in finely plaited wirework, the finial pierced and carved in high relief with fanged heads and scrollwork decorated with inset tufts of red-dyed and white horsehair, the scabbard with applied carved bone panels, wirework, coloured hair and attached dagger sheath, plaited rattan carrying-strap

Details

A DAYAK SWORD AND SHEATH, mandau, with metal blade and bone hilt partially bound in finely plaited wirework, the finial pierced and carved in high relief with fanged heads and scrollwork decorated with inset tufts of red-dyed and white horsehair, the scabbard with applied carved bone panels, wirework, coloured hair and attached dagger sheath, plaited rattan carrying-strap
72cm. long

Provenance

D.S.A. McDougall, in Sarawak 1924

Lot Essay

McDougall was sent to Sarawak in 1924 by his family's milling firm to collect derris root: on his return he became a founder member of the Sarawak Association

More from Tribal Art

View All