Dua Lalan Sword from Toraja, Sulawezi.

The Dua Lalan rare sword is coming from Toraja (The central mountainous region of Sulawesi). It is locally called Dua Lalan meaning dual purpose, to describe its use, both for war time and for ceremonial slaughtering of Buffalo.

The Dua Lalan sword offered here is a very complete exemplar in very good condition. Straight single edge blade with ridges spine, forged from pamor steel. Black horn handle with fine carving bound with several bands of twisted rattan, covered with original lacquer. Wood scabbard with horn locket, also bound with the original rattan bands.

Blade length 20 inches (51 cm). Total length 28 ½ inches (72 cm). Very good condition. Nice, complete and scarce sword. Late 19 – early 20 C.

For similar swords see: Albert G. Van Zonneveld “Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago” Page 43.