Sword Handle

Late 19th–20th century

Not on view

This handle for a sword (Mandau) from northern Borneo is carved from deer antler. A grip of plaited fiber covers the shaft, and the distal end is dipped in black resin. The handle has a long spur which gives it a distinctive V-shaped form. The sides are carved with foliate motifs which surround a central floral motif with four petals. Above, a scroll-shaped form wraps around a correspondingly shaped hole and pierces right through the object. The pommel has a small bowl-shaped form with a large cylindrical hole at the center, originally intended for the insertion of a decorative tuft of animal hair

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Sword Handle
Date: Late 19th–20th century
Geography: Indonesia, Borneo
Culture: Dayak people
Medium: Antler, fiber, resin
Dimensions: H. 5 × W. 3 in. (12.7 × 7.6 cm)
Classification: Bone/Ivory-Implements
Credit Line: Gift of Fred and Rita Richman, 2013
Object Number: 2013.1137.26
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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Mandau (sword) and sheath, Kenyah or Kayan artist, Steel, brass, wood, antler, bone, hair, trade cloth, fiber, Kenyah or Kayan peoples — Mandau (sword) and sheath
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Topi (beaded hat with forehead ornament), Dayak artist, Fiber, cotton trade cloth, glass beads, animal teeth, brass, Dayak people — Topi (beaded hat with forehead ornament)
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Sword Handle, Antler, fiber, resin, Dayak people — Sword Handle
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