Igorot/Bontok Shield

[Nonoy Tan]

there is a piece of wood lashed in place, can anyone tell me its purpose? Being carved the way it is it looks like it might have had more of a purpose than just that of being a reinforcement.

Hi Robert,

Likely that was used to stabilize a spear when held with the same hand as the shield.

Nonoy

[Sajen]

Hello Robert,

very nice old Bontoc shield with good signs of use. Here a informative link about this shields: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=bontoc+shield

Regards,
Detlef

[Robert]

Nonoy, Thank you for helping identify what the wooden piece was used for. I have posted a photo (borrowed from Detlef) that I think shows how it would be useful for the purpose that you suggested.

Detlef, I had just finished reading the post that you kindly posted the link to here and as you say, it is very informative. I hope that you do not mind my using the photo you posted there here as an example.

Can anyone tell me if there are any indicators present on my example that might help point to its possible age and what they are?

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Robert

Can anyone tell me if there are any indicators present on my example that might help point to its possible age and what they are?

If you look at the shield from the image you just posted compared to your shield they look very similar.

[Sajen]

Hello Robert,

no problem! I think that you shield is clearly Bontoc and around 1900, maybe older.

Regards,
Detlef

[Robert]

Thank you for the good news on the age of this piece Detlef. I am always worried when I purchase something that I am not at all familial with that it will turn out to be something that was made for "those who travel". I have been looking for one of these and a Moro taming (actually any shield of Philippine origin) for quite a while and was starting to think that I would never find one that I could actually afford without having to win the lottery first.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Robert

Thank you for the good news on the age of this piece Detlef. I am always worried when I purchase something that I am not at all familial with that it will turn out to be something that was made for "those who travel". I have been looking for one of these and a Moro taming (actually any shield of Philippine origin) for quite a while and was starting to think that I would never find one that I could actually afford without having to win the lottery first.

Hello Robert,

I am far away to be an expert in this field but the pictures show a good patina to the wood, please show some close ups special from the handle.
Like said, very nice Bontoc shield!

Regards,
Detlef