Mandau

[asomotif]

First time that I see a mandau hilt of ivory ( in over 30 years)

[asomotif]

It would be worth to restore the hilt in my opinion.

The ivory most probably allowed a more detailed carving compared to deer antler.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by asomotif

It would be worth to restore the hilt in my opinion.

The ivory most probably allowed a more detailed carving compared to deer antler.

Thank you for your response. Is there any particular reason that ivory was rarely used although the material is present?
I suppose the piece missing from my mandau is similar to your mandau. A restoration might be considered, I have a piece from which it could be made.
Regards
Marc

[asomotif]

Hello Marc,
I do not know if there is a specific reason why ivory is seldom/almost not used in Borneo.
I have only seen 2 objects of elephant ivory before. Both were earrings, and one of the owners was for some reason claiming that it was an ivorine fake. This is the 3rd object of ivory that I have seen. And based on the carving I am sure this is the real deal 🙂
The material is indeed present as in local elephants. And also through trade it must have been possible to get ivory from either Asia or Africa.
Ido notice that elephants do not play a role in the art , myths and religions on Borneo.

[asomotif]

Ps. I just noticed that on your hilt, the protruding point at the back is an inserted piece of a different material. Probably antler. I assume the ivory was not big enough to carve this protruding point from one piece.

Ps. Here a picture of a hilt of similar quality to give you an idea about how the missing 'nose' might have looked.

[Marc M.]

Originally Posted by asomotif

Ps. I just noticed that on your hilt, the protruding point at the back is an inserted piece of a different material. Probably antler. I assume the ivory was not big enough to carve this protruding point from one piece.

Ps. Here a picture of a hilt of similar quality to give you an idea about how the missing 'nose' might have looked.

Indeed, I forgot to mention that the piece sticking out is of a different material, probably antler or bone. Do you have an opinion on the blade, apparently a laminated blade is something not common? The flaws in the steel make it of little use anymore. Reason to sell perhaps.

Regards
Marc

[Pertinax]

Mandau hilts were a form of currency in Borneo. If necessary, the owner could remove the hilt from the sword and sell it.

Best regards,
Yuri

[asomotif]

Originally Posted by Marc M.

Do you have an opinion on the blade, apparently a laminated blade is something not common? The flaws in the steel make it of little use anymore. Reason to sell perhaps.

Regards
Marc

Hi Marc,

Do you have picture of the other side of the blade ?

Roughly / locally forged blades are sometimes referred to as "mantikei".
I have 1 blade in my collection with a similar surface as this one.
They are rare, but I am not sure if they have a special status.