Double ratan windings on mandauhandle!

Maurice · 26th July 2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Wow

you actually bought this quality handle.
It must be from the same age as Nieuwenhuis'example. Great buy !!!

Hi Willem, It is not just the handle. It is a complete mandau. I found it at EBAY!
The seller at first didn't know it was a Borneo sword. He put it under the header: Antique Pacific Islander Carved Sword, Java? Sumatra?
Though there were still 11 bidders, I got it for quite a cheap price.

Indeed Nieuwenhuis had some items especially made for him, so indeed unlikely a restore. Good thinking Willem!

Regards,
Maurice

t_c · 26th July 2009, 07:10 PM

Hi Maurice,
It looks like the "bulge" from the weaving rests under the fingers and not the palm of the hand. The Japanese would place menuki (ornaments woven into the handle wrap) on the same side of the handle for a better grip. Maybe this is what the double wrapping is for - to help the wielder get a better purchase on the handle. You'll have to tell us how it feels in the hand when you get it. If nothing else, the weaving does look really nice.

tom

Maurice · 27th July 2009, 08:27 AM

Thanks Tom for your input!

I got an email from an ex-member of the forum: Dajak.
He pointed to me the following link: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=mandau
(thanks Ben)

This one also has this double winding.
So it looks to me that it probably is a kind of decoration, of a certain area (Kutai, east Borneo)!

asomotif · 27th July 2009, 12:23 PM

Hi Maurice,

That is a very nice example. (I remember the thread, but not the double winding)
Bem's example is 2 coloured interwoven on the front. vey nice one. (probably left his collection already

)

Quote:

It looks like the "bulge" from the weaving rests under the fingers and not the palm of the hand.

Tom, I don't have a katana at hand, but as far as I know the menuki's are in the hand palm. (Right hand under the tsuba)
This knot on the mandau is placed so that it is facing outward when worn, so my opinion is decorative. possible better grip being at best a side effect.

Looking forward to mor pictures of blade scabbard etc.

Maurice · 27th July 2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asomotif

Looking forward to mor pictures of blade scabbard etc.

Here some pics of the complete sword and scabbard!

Maurice · 27th July 2009, 05:24 PM

It is difficult to make pictures of the intricate carvings on the handle. But I did the best I can.
Unfortunately the little nose on the front is broken off. I hoped for a bit that it was the intention of the carver to make him "without nose". But anyway I am glad it slipped into my collection (with or without the "nose").

Sajen · 27th July 2009, 05:44 PM

I like the fine carvings at the handle.

sajen

27th July 2009, 05:24 PM	#6
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,453	It is difficult to make pictures of the intricate carvings on the handle. But I did the best I can. Unfortunately the little nose on the front is broken off. I hoped for a bit that it was the intention of the carver to make him "without nose". But anyway I am glad it slipped into my collection (with or without the "nose"). Attached Images

26th July 2009, 07:10 PM	#2
t_c Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ca, usa Posts: 92	Hi Maurice, It looks like the "bulge" from the weaving rests under the fingers and not the palm of the hand. The Japanese would place menuki (ornaments woven into the handle wrap) on the same side of the handle for a better grip. Maybe this is what the double wrapping is for - to help the wielder get a better purchase on the handle. You'll have to tell us how it feels in the hand when you get it. If nothing else, the weaving does look really nice. tom

27th July 2009, 08:27 AM	#3
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,453	Thanks Tom for your input! I got an email from an ex-member of the forum: Dajak. He pointed to me the following link: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=mandau (thanks Ben) This one also has this double winding. So it looks to me that it probably is a kind of decoration, of a certain area (Kutai, east Borneo)!

27th July 2009, 05:44 PM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	I like the fine carvings at the handle. sajen