Late 19th C. Borneo Kayan Wood, Bone & Steel Malat

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Borneo, Sarawak, Kayan people, ca. late 19th to first half of the 20th century CE. A fine example of a malat sword (mandau with the Dayak). The forged-steel blade has a sharpened edge on the exterior curve, a thick spine along the interior, and an incised "X" just above the tang. The hilt is carved from ox bone, features the expressive countenance of an abstract zoomorphic creature with gnashing teeth and foliate motifs, tufts of dyed human hair, and a braided brass wire grip. The sheath consists of two wooden planks secured with wrapped rattan fibers and carved with foliate, linear, and serpentine motifs. A braided rattan strap is secured to the back of the sheath, and an additional tuft of human hair pokes out from the sheath base. Size (w/ sheath): 3.625" W x 28.5" H (9.2 cm x 72.4 cm); (blade): 21.375" L (54.3 cm).

Provenance: private Nevada, USA collection

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#152210
Condition Report: Minor abrasions and nicks to sheath, blade, and handle, with softening to some carved sheath details, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.