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 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, filed on the spine and decorated with series of brass and copper star shaped insertions along the spine. The spine is also inserted with silver and copper strips along its entire length. Beautifully carved L shaped bone handle. Original carved wood scabbard bound with rattan bands (Later)

Blade 22 inches long 10 mm thick. Total length 30 inches. Very good condition. Minor wood chips on the scabbard. Original and authentic, early 20 C. sword.