Hi

I am new to the forum and seeking help in identifying a sword that was handed down to me by my Godfather who was killed in Vietnam. He also served in Borneo and Malaya so the sword could have come from any one of those countries.

The sword appears to be more decorative and has the following words FARANG IBAN SARAWAK engraved near the handle.

I would appreciate anyone who may be able to in lighten me as to the origin and history of this sword.

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It looks like an Indonesian Parang to me. Especially with that parrot hilt, and those words seem to be Indonesian (I don't speak it, but have many friends who do...). If it is, your Godfather will have most likely received it in Borneo.

Ask Lafayette Curtis or Bill Marsh, who also contribute to this forums. They'll know and will be able to tell you if I'm right or not.

It sure does look like one to me, though. Also, it's wise not to be fooled by the appearance of being decorative with these Island swords...

I know that Sarawak is in Borneo and that Farang is Thai for "white foreigner" (or something pretty close to that). I guess in Borneo, Farang might mean something completely different, though...

Stu

Andrew, you are correct. That is an Iban parang or machete. It is a traditional weapon of the Iban tribe living in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Ibans once used machetes as weapons but now they use them with shields while performing a war dance.

Looks like one of the blades featured here:

http://old.blades.free.fr/swords/dayak/parang_dayak_intro.htm