**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, Borneo, Dayak, Ngaju peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden sheath wrapped with a yellow cloth and human hair tassels, and attached to a second wood sheath for a knife. The main sheath is for a mandau sword, and is composed of two wooden planks bound with thick rattan fibers that are dyed red and black, while the front bears intricate foliate motifs. A second sheath is attached with a piece of hide and wrapped in yellow fabric. This sheath is less ornate, simply made of a thick bark, and presenting a slender wood handle. The blade of the knife is missing, but the handle suggests the size of the knife that would aid the sword. A woven fibrous strap for securing the sheaths is tied to both. The human hair tassels are certainly an interesting addition, and not surprising since the mandau is the traditional Dayak weapon associated with headhunting ceremonies. Size: 21.5" L x 2" W (54.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#141638

Fraying and tears to fabric. Abrasions and chips to wood. Cracks and splitting down the side. Rich patina on wood. Knife is missing blade.