A vintage Dayak Mandau from Borneo

A Mandau, a.k.a. a parang ilang or "Headhunter's sword", of the Dayak peoples of Borneo.
 
The blade is of typical concave/convex cross-section with the left side having been hollow ground, but is otherwise very roughly finished. It does show signs of actual use however, and has an interesting large "plug" of iron in the blade. This plug has apparently been in position since the blade was forged and ground and is not a later addition or repair as it shows the same profiling and patination as the rest of the blade.
 
The deer-antler hilt is carved with depictions of aso "dog-dragons" and writhing leeches. As leeches consume blood, they are associated with being a warrior. The rattan wrapping on the hilt is still intact and secure, although it does slide a bit. The natural rubber adhesive which would have been applied around the bottom of the hilt has however been lost, and the tang is loose in the hilt.
 
The scabbard is decorated with beautifully carved antler plaques which depict the creatures both real and mythological inhabiting the Dayak people's rainforest environment: leeches, snakes, fish, crabs, crocodiles, a colugo, a monkey, a hornbill, a tiger, and people. The gaps where the plaques adjoin one another are covered with woven bands of small beads. The edges of the scabbard are covered in tufts of red, black, and white hair arranged in stripes. At the back of the scabbard is a palm fibre sheath for a pisau raut whittling knife, which is unfortunately missing.
 
Blade length:  51.5 cm
Overall length:  65 cm
Length in scabbard:  75 cm
Early to Mid- 20th century