Traditional Weapon From Borneo Island, Indonesia called " Mandau "

Indonesia is a country which has a lot of major and small islands and a lot of culture. Mandau (Saber)  is a traditional weapon  used by Melayu Dayak communities who live in East Kalimantan, especially in the area of Barito. According to folklore, the full title of this weapon is mandau ambang birang bitang pojo ayun kayau (in dayak language). In ancient times mandau (saber) is always associated with the tradition of headhunting among Dayaks, namely behead enemies, whether in war or other. This tradition eventually became a Dayak people’s confidence mandau which is often used for headhunting  which is considered more sacred. The owner of this weapon is considered more powerful and higher in social status. But today, with more loss of headhunting tradition since the early 20th century AD, Mandau is not sacred like in the past. Mandau has become common weapons that are not only used for headhunting but also for hunting, cutting down trees, cutting branches and digging tubers.

The history records that the original Mandau (Saber) is  made of melted rock that specifically by people with expertise, with ornate gold, silver or copper. This weapon is similar to a parang (marchete), the only difference lies in the carvings  made at the blunt blade. In addition, the blade is also made with holes covered with brass blades in order to beautify it. Mandau is a traditional weapon which is almost the same as the Keris (dagger) for the Java community, or rencong in  Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Society.