Mandau

Mandau is the traditional weapon for the Dayak people of Borneo/Kalimantan Island, Indonesia. According to folklore, the full title of this weapon is mandau ambang birang bitang pojo ayun kayau (in dayak language).

Mandau believed to have levels of supernatural powers. The power was gained not only from the drafting process through certain rituals, but also in the tradition of headhunting (beheading opponents). At that time (before the 20th century) the more people beheaded the more power the mandau got. Usually part of the victim's hair used to decorate the handle. They believe the spirit of people who die beheaded will inhabit the mandau to make it more powerful.

But now, Mandau has become common weapons that are not only enabled to headhunting but also for hunting, cutting down trees, cutting branches and digging tubers.

Mandau's blade are made of wrought iron plates to the long flat-spired like machetes. One side of it are sharpened while the other side is left a little thick and blunt. There are several types of materials that can be used to make mandau, such as: montallat iron, matikei iron, steel, chainsaw blades, discs vehicles, etc.

While the Handle is made of deer horn, carved to resemble a bird's head. The entire surface of the handle is carved with various motifs such as dragon head, beak, birds, spirals, and hooks.

Reputedly, the original Mandau made from melted rock that specifically by people with expertise, with ornate gold, silver or copper.