Jimpul Head Hunting Sword, Dayak, Kalimantan

The Jimpul is a member in the family of heavy machete like swords of the Sea Dayak and the Kenyah people of Kalimantan (Borneo). Other members of the family are the Mandau, the Langgai Tinggang  and the Niabor as well as few others. All associated with the head hunting tradition. All share similarities but differ in the blade shapes and dimensions.

The Jimpul is characterized by the heavy curved blade of flat blade faces and symmetrical wedge shaped cross section. The L shaped handle is similar to other members of the family. .

This Jimpul has a heavy up curving blade with deep fullers, decorated with engraved forte and filed and pierced tip. Beautifully carved L shaped bone handle with traces of hair tufts.

Blade 21 inches long 10 mm thick. Total length 26 inches. Very good condition. No scabbard. Original and authentic, late 19 C. sword.