Hi Ben,
Maybe on the "spooky" Mandau the dots could be heads?
Or it's just an unusual Mandau all over?
On the Melanau influence it was just the motifs on the silver grip I was referring to, not the antler hilt of course.
Both the Murut and the Land Dayak could have had contact with the Melanau for influence on their silver work on your nice swords?
Let's agree at least that it's probably made along the coast of Sarawak?
Thanks for the close ups.
Now I see what you mean and agree that it looks both unusual and interesting.
I also think that your Mandau is a "transition sword".
Maybe early Iban made Mandau, as you suggest, before they became more usual in the end of 19th C.
Michael
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