Niabor

Niabor (other names also include Beadah, Naibor, Nyabor, Nyabur, Parang Njabur Laki-Laki) is a curved sword from Borneo, a characteristic weapon of the Sea-Dayaks.[1]

Niabor
A Niabor, pre-1887.
Type	Sword, Cutlass
Place of origin	Borneo: Indonesia (West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan) Malaysia (Sarawak)
Service history
Used by	Dayak people (Iban / Sea Dayak)
Specifications
Length	60-90cm
Blade type	Single edge, convex grind
Hilt type	Antler/deer horn, wood
Scabbard/sheath	Wood

Description

It has a convex edge and concave back broadening towards the tip so that the center of gravity lies at the point. The edge curves in a faint curve towards the tip. The blade usually has one or more broken hollow sections and no midrib. They are usually not decorated. In some versions, a nose-shaped projection is forged to the blade, which is seated on the cutting edge. This projection serves as a kind of parry and finger guard is called Kundieng. It is typical of these swords. Below the finger guard of the blade is rectangular. This place is called Sangau. Between the finger guard and the hilt is called Temporian. The hilt is made of antler or deer horn, just like the Mandau. The pommel is carved in the traditional way and never decorated with animal hair.[2]

The Niabor is very identical to another Sea Dayak sword called Langgai Tinggang. The name Niabor itself is also not to be mistaken with Parang Nabur.

See also

• Langgai Tinggang
• Mandau
• Pisau raut

References

1. British Association for the Advancement of Science (1901). Report of the Annual Meeting, Volume 71. J. Murray.
2. Albert G Van Zonneveld (2002). Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago. Koninklyk Instituut Voor Taal Land. ISBN 90-5450-004-2.

Further reading

• George Cameron Stone; Donald J. LaRocca (1999). A Glossary of The Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor: In All Countries and In All Times. Courier Dover Publications. ISBN 978-0-486-40726-5.
• Mason, Otis Tufton; Donald J. LaRocca (1895). The Origins of Invention: A Study of Industry Among Primitive Peoples. Books for Libraries Press. ASIN B00AZZN5AC.
• Evangelista, Nick; William M. Gaugler (1995). The Encyclopedia of The Sword. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-27896-9.
• Gertwagen, Ruth; Avshalom Zemer; Rena Minkoff (2002). Pirates, The Skull and Crossbones. Haifa Museums, The National Maritime Museum. ISBN 978-965-7067-38-3.