Dayak Parang Of Iban Race

This Dayak Parang (sword) from my collection was a gift from my late aunt from Bintulu, Sarawak. It is believed that this type of Parang were used in the past to hunt heads. As for me, I'm not too sure whether this Parang has been used for that reason or not...... :)

The Dayak people who live in Borneo are divided into various ethnic groups such as the Penan, Klemantan, Kenyah, Kayan, Murut and Iban people.

The Iban, formerly the most notorious group of the headhunters in Sarawak, have given up the custom more quickly than the other tribes. It is probably because of living near to the coast, they are in more direct contact with other cultures which have influenced them a lot.

Like the Keris (Malay sword), the Dayak Parang is believed to have supernatural power and is transmitted from generation to generation. Good quality blades are made of iron which does not oxidize. Also like the Keris, meteorite ore including titanium, was used to make blades.

Picture 1
Dayak Parang.

Picture 2
Dayak Parang.

Picture 3
Dayak Parang.

Picture 4
The handle.