Old 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 and deeply 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, massive up curving blade with a  fuller along the filed spine near the blade tip. Beautifully carved L shaped antler handle with traces of hair tufts. Original carved wood scabbard bound with rattan and other natural fibers bands. Original plaited fibers carrying   belt.

Blade 21 inches long 1/2 inche (13 mm thick). Total length 27 inches. Very good condition. Impressive original complete and authentic, 19 C. sword.

Provenance: IFICAH International Foundation of Indonesian Culture and Asian Heritage,  Hollenstedt, Germany