Mentawai Bird Palitai Dagger

c. 1900
$1,880 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 15.75" D: 2.5" H: 10.5"
Materials
Wood
Iron
Horn
Rattan
Collection #
CBH036
Estimated Shipping
$75

This long, thin blade is a traditional knife of the Mentawai people of the Mentawai Islands off of West Sumatra, Indonesia. Known as a palitai (dagger) this double-edged blade was paired with a shield known as kurabit and would have been prominently displayed on the hip to convey social status. This palitai is fitted with a curving handle carved to resemble a bird, and paired with a simple sheath with an elongated, tapered tip. We've elevated this curious dagger on a custom steel mount as captivating sculptural object.

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