Stumbled upon a mandau.

[asomotif]

any recommendations for cleaning up the handle

Hello Imas,

The stag/antler looks in good condition and no need to clean it in my opnion.

The rottan binding around the handle looks a little dry.
In those cases I apply a little bit of antiq wax (on a bee's wax bassis)
I apply it gently and not to much with a soft toothbrush.
I try to avoid using cloth on the rottan binding, because if very dry sometimes little broken pieces rottan tend to stick out. and with a cloth they get caught in the textile causing these pieces to break off.

The damar (resin) ring looks pretty good.
You can of course apply some wax, but normally there is not much to do about them when they are intact.

Could you make some additional picture of the handle of the carving on the back and maybe a picture to see if there is a face as in the parang face gallery

Ps. Read the start of the thread again. Hmmm.. I wish I had such an Uncle and Aunt