Up Close & Peculiar With a Headhunter's Sword

Believe It or Not!, this headhunter’s sword used to literally sever heads. Currently on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie, this chilling blade offers a rare look into the spiritual practices of the Dayak people of Borneo.

Belief over Brutality

To outsiders, the act of headhunting might seem like a brutal and bloody tradition. But for the Dayak warriors of 19th-century Borneo, it was a sacred ritual rooted in deep spiritual meaning. The act of taking an enemy’s head wasn’t done out of malice; it was believed to be the only way to fully destroy an enemy’s spirit and absorb their power.

In Dayak culture, the head was considered the vessel of the soul. By removing it, a warrior wasn’t just defeating his enemy; he was capturing their essence. The stolen soul was then believed to protect homes, guard crops, or offer spiritual strength to the household it was brought into.

Power, Honor, and Respect

Owning a head was a badge of honor, and only warrior families were allowed to display them. These skulls were cherished, honored with food offerings, and even passed down as family heirlooms. For the Dayak, these trophies weren’t just reminders of past battles; they were sacred symbols of protection, legacy, and strength.

Blade with a Purpose

Known as a Parang Ilang or Mandau, the sword itself was crafted specifically for battle. Its slightly curved blade wasn’t just a stylistic choice; some believe the curve helped warriors avoid the shoulders for a cleaner decapitation. The hilt was often carved from horn, animal bone, or even human bone, with intricate engravings that hint at its material and origin.

You can get up close with this haunting piece of history at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie !