Identifying Another Borneo Sword

[CharlesS]

I am hoping the "Borneo gang" can help me identify the type and origin of the Borneo parang. It is flat on both sides of the blade, has a silver ferrule, and its shape does not seem to fit nicely into any of the Banks/Shelford categories.

Any ideas on a correct name, origin, and guesstimation of age on this one???

[Maurice]

That's a lovely Borneo sword Charles!
Where the hell do you find all your stuff??? :confused:

IMO it's from Sabah and it's called a Gayang.
Probably late 19th century, as it is definately old style, but seem to be preserved very well.
Are there any signs of restoration you're aware off (or know off)?

A very beautifull sword with just the right patina on it!

Congratulations with this great find!
Maurice

[Maurice]

PS, Is it my correct observation according the pictures that I see a part of the scalp sticking out of the handle where the thick tuft of hair is coming out?

[VVV]

Nice find!

I agree with Maurice and it is bonus with all the hair intact on the scabbard.

Michael

[CharlesS]

Thanks guys...was hoping to hear from you two. Thanks for being so helpful.

I was a little perplexed when I couldn't find this one in Banks/Shelford.

[asomotif]

Hello Charles,

I am not that deep into the classification, so I always wait for others to do the name game. :)

I a pretty good in Oooohs and Aaaahs, and awesome cool sword... ! :eek: ;)

Here is a picture that you probably already know.
Wonderfull that all the orignal hair is still there.
Do you have some close ups op how the hait is connected to the scabbard ?

Best regards,
Willem

[Maurice]

Here is a picture that you probably already know.
:) where do I have to look

[asomotif]

:) where do I have to look
Patience, due to the magic of Microsoft I could not find the correct program to copy the picture :p

[CharlesS]

Thanks so much for the photo!! Awesome!!

Are these Dutch colonial troops also carrying their own weapons???

Nice parapat/pakayun to boot!!

I had mentioned to Maurice I figured the gayang had to be worn "edge up"
and so I guess this pretty much confirms that.

[CharlesS]

Wonderfull that all the orignal hair is still there.
Do you have some close ups op how the hait is connected to the scabbard ?



Willem, I am on the coast of NC at the moment but will attach more pics when I get home.

[Maurice]

I had mentioned to Maurice I figured the gayang had to be worn "edge up"
and so I guess this pretty much confirms that.

Sorry Charles I indeed forgot to answer your mentioning in my email.
But yes, them are worn like that, just like mandaus.

Maurice

[asomotif]

Are these Dutch colonial troops also carrying their own weapons???

Nice parapat/pakayun to boot!!


Hello Charles,

Seeing the pilbox hats I am pretty sure they are British dayak troops.
The firearms are not known to me. They don't look like Lee Enfield/SMLE.
More like some kind of lever action rifle :shrug:

(I am adding a postcard from the 1930's depicting britisch dyak troops, unfortunately these chaps are in regulation dress.)

[David R]

Something that amazed many other nations was the extent to which the British Empire was able to trust its "native" troops....perhaps we got something right afterall.

[CharlesS]

When I first saw the first pics I thought they may be wearing fezes, but now I see it is quite evident they are Brit type pill box hats.

Thanks for the new pic asomotif.

Yes, I would agree about the Brits be able to count on their colonial troops, perhaps, most impressively in the Sudanese Wars and Zulu Wars(irregulars not included). There is the Indian Mutiny of course, but that seems a bit of an anomaly.