Iban Ceremonial Sword

Erik Farrow

A rare and unusual Iban Dayak ceremonial sword. The deer antler handle is carved with leech and sprout tendril motifs. The long wood scabbard is carved with an intricate scene including a large serpent and person holding a basket (with a head?). The surface originally had a red natural pigment coloration, but it is largely covered over with a dark crusty black patina. The top of the scabbard is adorned with a variety of old coins from 1790 up until 1945. The odd shaped blade has a smaller blade attached, and dark surface as I have seen on other swords of this type. I have seen a handful of these swords, a couple published and have found very little information on who used them and how.

www.FarrowFineArt.com

$2,800.00

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