Dayak spear

length: 6' 7" (incl. feathers)

From Kalimantan (East Borneo), Indonesia. Old heavy steel blade wrapped in place with split rattan. Hardwood shaft, butt end decorated with peacock feathers.

comments from a collector friend who specializes in Indonesian weaponry:
"This looks like an authentic Dayak war spear, except for the peacock feathers on the butt....this again looks like a ceremonial touch, possibly shamanistic, as I believe most had at least simple , often elaborate butt spikes.....it's equally possible however that some of the more remote tribes where the ferule is rattan rather than metal have a whole different philosophy there too. Being one who appreciates the simpler, tribal pieces, frankly, I LOVE it!"

07/23/02