IN83
A Jimpul sword from the Sea Iban Dyak and Kenyah people of Borneo, circa 19th C. Also called jumbul, mandau pasir, parang djimpul parang jimpul. The blade is flat overall with a single fuller on each side. Unlike the mandau, the jimpul blade curves distinctly so that the sharp edge is longer than the spine (top) of the sword. The thickness of the blade tapers significantly from hilt to tip.
Numerous design features are found on the blade. These include:
- strips of brass inlaid cross-wise to the blade along the spine
- a copper plug
- carved hooks and protrusions (krowit) on the blade forte near the hilt and above the tip of the blade
- numerological symbols
- a five-pointed star
The hilt, of bone or antler, is deeply carved and shows age from continuous handling. The hilt is secured to the blade tightly with shellaced rattan and the typical gum or resign ferrule below. The pommel is decorated with red and black hair. The hair shows loss from trimming with a knife or scissors sometime in the past.
The scabbard features elaborate carving near the top. The typical two pieces of wood are secured by three copper bands near the tip, considered a sign of high favor with the king. A fourth band is missing near the middle. At the top beneath the carving the scabbard is secured by tightly wound rattan.The scabbard is original and has a belt of woven rattan.
