Need Help Identifying the Specific Region of Origin of Two Borneo Swords

CharlesS · 15th October 2012, 04:57 PM

Here are two Dayak swords that do not look particularly old, but seem to be of good quality, both being quite heavy and sturdy.

I am hoping some of the Borneologists here can help me identify their specific ethnic region of origin in Borneo.

Thanks in advance!

Maurice · 15th October 2012, 05:26 PM

Hi Charles,

According the images I would say the upper one (Kenyah tribe sword) is older as the lower parang (Iban tribe).
Though of the Iban parang it could be the blade is older as the scabbard/handle...

Rg,
Maurice

Maurice · 15th October 2012, 05:36 PM

Oh, forgot to mention.
The upper one is from the Kenyah's of the former Dutch east-Borneo area between the Mahakam river and the Kajan river, which belongs to the "Berouw" area if I'm not mistaken), and not of the Kenyah's from the Sarawak area, who had also Y-gripped swords besides the regular shaped handles but carved in another style and other motifs on their handles and scabbards as yours (from the Kenyah's from the former Dutch part of Borneo).

Rg,
Maurice

CharlesS · 16th October 2012, 12:29 PM

Thanks so much Maurice! I knew I could count on you or VVV.

Any guesstimate on the age of the two?

Maurice · 19th October 2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Any guesstimate on the age of the two?

Charles, I would estimate the Kenyah piece from the first half of the 20th century (could even be from the first quarter of the 20th century) and ofcourse with the ratanbelt renewed and made recently:

And the Iban piece I would estimate pretty recently made.......

But these are just my assumptions ofcourse.

Regards,
Maurice

15th October 2012, 04:57 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Need Help Identifying the Specific Region of Origin of Two Borneo Swords Here are two Dayak swords that do not look particularly old, but seem to be of good quality, both being quite heavy and sturdy. I am hoping some of the Borneologists here can help me identify their specific ethnic region of origin in Borneo. Thanks in advance! Attached Images

15th October 2012, 05:36 PM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,324	Oh, forgot to mention. The upper one is from the Kenyah's of the former Dutch east-Borneo area between the Mahakam river and the Kajan river, which belongs to the "Berouw" area if I'm not mistaken), and not of the Kenyah's from the Sarawak area, who had also Y-gripped swords besides the regular shaped handles but carved in another style and other motifs on their handles and scabbards as yours (from the Kenyah's from the former Dutch part of Borneo). Rg, Maurice Last edited by Maurice; 15th October 2012 at 05:59 PM.

15th October 2012, 05:26 PM	#2
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,324	Hi Charles, According the images I would say the upper one (Kenyah tribe sword) is older as the lower parang (Iban tribe). Though of the Iban parang it could be the blade is older as the scabbard/handle... Rg, Maurice

16th October 2012, 12:29 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Thanks so much Maurice! I knew I could count on you or VVV. Any guesstimate on the age of the two?