Igorot Utility Knife

[Nonoy Tan]

I think that I should mention that the Hinalung was also used to decapitate. This is mentioned in the Ifugao epic "Hudhud hi Aliguyon" (Tale of Aliguyon). In a duel between Aliguyon the epic hero and Daulayan (his opponent), a Hinalung was used by Aliguyon in an attempted beheading. Hereunder are the relevant texts of the epic chant:

Imbuhbun Aliguyon inhiplunake Daulayan,
Ya binahaknay nanindudwan pandang-nga.
Inipingnay langeganah pumbanngan palpalakana.
Aliguyonana ya inhaadnay langegana pumbanngan .
Inguyudna mangilitna an hinalung,
Bintikna kinawadan Daulayan,
Hikanay altugana Daulayan…

English translation:

Aliguyon with a good aim hurled his spear at Daulayan;
It hit him on the legs between the brass rings,
He fell screaming on his weapon on the embankment,
Aliguyon put down his shield on the embankment,
Pulled out his sharp double-bladed bolo;
He ran to where Daulayan lay,
He pulled up Daulayan’s head to cut it off…