Language: Long Way Dayak
Source: 1887 source

Description

Mata kalong is the Long Way Dayak word for a type of decoration.¹

They are believed to represent stylized aso, the Dayak mythical dragon-dog. ²

A fine mandau with mata kalong decor.
Listed at Mandarin Mansion in 2020.

Illustration from Tromp, 1887. (See notes.)

E.) Mata djoh

F.) Mata kalong

G.) Tap-set-sien 

Of the last one, anyone can use the center circle, but the radiant lines can only be used by royalty.

Notes
1. S.W. Tromp; Mededeelingen omtrent mandau's. Den Haag, 1887. Published in Internationales Archiv für Ethnographie,  International Gesellschaft für Ethnographie; Rijksmuseum van Oudheden te Leiden, 1888. Volume 1, pages 22-26.
2. Sixt Wetzler (editor); Steel and Magic. Edged Weapons of the Malay Archipelago. Deutsches Klingen Museum Solingen, 2020. Pages 126-132. Described by Michael Marlow.