The mandau comes from South Borneo, the land of the Dayak. Dayak tribes recognize various kinds of weapons that are commonly used for hunting and fighting in ancient times, or for daily use such as in fields. For example, blowpipe, mandau, lonjo (spear), shield (telawang), and spurs.
The Mandau is a jungle as well as the traditional head-hunting sword. Mandau was an effective lethal weapon used during ancient days and in tribal wars by the Dayaks of Borneo.
The handle is usually decorated worth goat heir or human hair. The blade is of hardened iron. It has a slight curve and is single edged. It is relatively plain although has decorative notches along its length.
The mandau may be used in combination with a shield, and the blade may be coated with poison for special occasions.
While head hunting is supposedly no longer part of the Dayak animistic religion, there is no doubt the mandau is still capable of deadly battle.
Dayak traditional weapon: Mandau
