Sword - Taiwan (No reserve price)

This beautiful set — consisting of a machete and a smaller knife — comes from southern Taiwan and is traditionally associated with the Paiwan community, one of the best-known Indigenous groups on the island. The pieces are believed to date from around 1940–1960 and are today mainly treasured as decorative tribal art objects.

What makes this set so special is the extensive woodcarving on both the handles and the wooden sheaths. The reliefs depict human figures, ancestors, and snakes, symbols that within Paiwan culture stand for protection, connectedness, and status. The larger sheath is openworked at the back and reinforced with metal wire, giving the whole piece an authentic, handmade appearance.
Where the larger sword/machete often had a ceremonial function or served as a status symbol, the smaller accompanying knife was used for daily practical tasks and jungle hunting.

Although these blades historically played a ceremonial role within Paiwan nobility, today they are mainly valued as decorative artworks: characterful, expressive, and rich in symbolism. The smaller knife forms a charming complement to the larger piece and makes the set visually complete.

Together they form an intriguing duo that enriches any space — ideal for lovers of tribal art, ethnographic pieces, and hand-carved wooden objects.

Blade length: 58 cm — sheath 50.5 cm
Knife length: 27 cm — sheath 22 cm

Both are carefully packed in recycled packaging materials and insured with tracking during shipment.
Pickup is available within four weeks after the auction.