A INTERESTING MANDAU FOR IDENTIFICATION
 

I BOUGHT THIS RECENTLY AS I LIKED THE BLADE AND ESPECIALLY THE UNUSUAL CARVING ON THE HANDLE. UNFORTUNATELY IT LACKS A SCABBARD OR A GRIP WRAP OR THE BEES WAX FERRULE. WOULD IT BE OK TO ADD A GRIP WRAP AND WAX FERULE OR BETTER LEFT AS IS.? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO ON THIS SUCH AS TRIBE , AGE, TYPE ,ECT. THE HANDLE IS CARVED DEER ANTLER, THE SWORD IS 29 INCHES LONG WITH THE CONCAVE PLAIN SIDE AND THE CONVEX SIDE WITH DECORATION, A GOOD QUALITY SHARP BLADE.

Although I can't help you, Barry, I can say that this is a great piece! I love the carving and blade as well. Shame the rest is missing.

JUST GIVING THIS A BUMP HOPING FOR SOME INFORMATION BEFORE IT GETS BURIED AGAIN. :)

Hi Barry:

Yes, I think it would benefit from a wrap at least. The blade is of good quality and I think the overall sword deserves some finishing on its hilt. The hilt is carved well (is it bone or antler?). In its native environment it would have been complete. Look forward to seeing what you do with it.

Ian.

Is this the tang looking out? This could be perhaps a hint to a later marriage... it seems to be cleaned.

Also I find the scrollwork strange (and also a little bit the engravings especially towards the tip of blade) with the blade itself looking older for sure - yet I am not a specialist for Mandaus.