Antique Jimpul Headhunters Sword Dayak, Kalimantan Borneo

The Jimpul is a member in the family of heavy machete like swords of the Sea Dayak and the Kenyah people of Kalimantan (Borneo). Other members of the family are the Mandau, the Langgai Tinggang and the Niabor as well as few others. All associated with the head-hunting tradition. All share similarities but differ in the blade shapes and dimensions.

DETAILS: The hilt with pommel finely carved of deer antler, the carving is based on scrolls and leech motifs. The leech (lemetek) is associated with blood sucking and so was considered an appropriate motif for a weapon and set with long white and black hair tufts, the grip bound with braided ratan straps. Heavy very sharp curve single-edged, laves shape steel blade, tip. Wooden scabbard bound with three plated rattan bands.

REFERENCES: 1.Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago” Albert G. Van Zonneveld.

2.A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times” by George Cameron Stone.

3. Steel and Magic - Edged Weapons of the Malay Archipelago. Deutsches Klingenmuseum in Solingen.

We will provide the buyer with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.

CONDITION: Showing age and usage, with a very exceptional age patina.

Please see all 13 pictures in the listing as they are part of the object's condition description.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length of the sword, sheathed in the scabbard: 66 cm (26 inches).

Overall length without the scabbard: 63 cm (24.5 inches).