Need help identifying weapon

[ladybug]

I was doing some shopping therapy and saw this and took it home with me. Antique shop said it was an antique African Dakka. I looked for something like it online and found that 'dakka' is a slang term for marijuana in Australia, and no African weapons look anything like it. The blade at least looks cool. It is 28' long, the back side is 5mm wide and weighs about a pound. It is not in pristine condition, and considering the handle and the 3/4 inch space at the top on the casing, I am positive a previous owner modified it, intentionally or accidentally. It has a couple shards of mother of pearl looking inlay on the handle, one of which is missing. I wasn't looking for an authentic African weapon and think it has no value other than a practical use. I will say though, the grass weaving looks pretty darn cool, but it is falling apart.

[Soo Ma Tai]

I have looked and I would guess it is a newer (not ancient, but possibly antique) sword from the southeast asian area, possibly myanmar (burma). I found several examples of scabbards on those swords that are very simular in design with woven cord/grass design work on them.

http://www.arscives.com/historysteel/im ... -mib26.jpg

and also blades of simular shape....

http://www.arscives.com/historysteel/im ... -mib16.jpg

The seem to have many chopper swords with larger blades toward the tip.

[Sir_Mel]

I could be wrong since I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's called a "sword".

[Lucerne]

I could be wrong since I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's called a "sword".

A PRETTY Sword

[Isk]

Ladybug, I would wander over to swordforum.com with this question. There are probably a lot of people here who will give you an opinion, and some who may actually know or do some decent research, but I think you'll get better *quality* information over there in general.

Try this forum if it really is African.

And if Soo is right, you'll want to try this forum.

[ladybug]

Thank you very much Isk. So far the experts think it is actually a sword from a head hunting tribe in Borneo, and depending on how old it is, might have actually done some people in in its time. I am posting some more detailed pictures from them, but I am happier with my purchase now.

[Rasheab]

Was this a Whidbey purchase Ladybug, or off island?

[Isk]

Glad that helped Ladybug! Welcome to the world of collecting *real* swords. Careful, it is very addicting.