I'd Love to Learn More About This N. Philippines Sword

Ian · 16th January 2018, 12:42 AM

Hi Charles:

I believe that the hilt is Ilokano work in that it is a horse hoof shape with a prominent groove below the "hoof." Ilokano hilts frequently have a notch or groove in this position, where the little finger rests comfortably. It is seen with many of their hilt styles, which are quite numerous and have been described here previously.

The brass (?) ferrule is also consistent with Ilokano work. The bulge in the grip adjacent to the ferrule is something I associate with Central Luzon/Pampanga (see, for example, many of the Apalit knives that have also been described here). Putting all that together, I think this was made in the area from Pampanga up to Pangasinan by local crafstmen who were either Ilokano or strongly influenced by Ilokano styles. The same area was responsible for many of the "Negrito" bolos, which can be used to define many of the Ilokano traits in knifemaking (as discussed here).

Blade forms are varied, with the tabak (aka the Negrito katana), dahong palay, and ginunting being quite common, as well as clipped blades (some resembling a Bowie knife). There are other styles as well, including heavy-bladed work knives of various forms, and even a "double-clipped" version. I've attached a picture of the latter profile on a large knife that measures 21.5 inches overall.

There are a lot of nice knives coming out of northern Luzon.

Ian.

CharlesS · 16th January 2018, 01:22 PM

Ian,

Any ideas about the date it was produced. It's in great condition but has seen some time. I don't think it is new.

Ian · 16th January 2018, 04:27 PM

Hi Charles,

Hard to say the age because it has been worked on a bit judging from the cleaned blade and the shiny leather sheath--all in good condition. I would say probably pre-WW II, but not as early as the revolutionary war. So first half of the 20th C. would be my guess.

The local name for this one would probably be sinan paddak based on the horse hoof hilt.

Ian.

CharlesS · 16th January 2018, 04:42 PM

As always, thanks, Ian.

ashkenaz · 18th January 2018, 07:10 PM

It seems that Luzon Bolos have too much western influences on their design, to the point that I think I can't deem it "Filipino" anymore in my opinion. But just Spanish short swords made by Filipinos.

Am I being heretical? Sorry about that.

16th January 2018, 12:42 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,519	Hi Charles: I believe that the hilt is Ilokano work in that it is a horse hoof shape with a prominent groove below the "hoof." Ilokano hilts frequently have a notch or groove in this position, where the little finger rests comfortably. It is seen with many of their hilt styles, which are quite numerous and have been described here previously. The brass (?) ferrule is also consistent with Ilokano work. The bulge in the grip adjacent to the ferrule is something I associate with Central Luzon/Pampanga (see, for example, many of the Apalit knives that have also been described here). Putting all that together, I think this was made in the area from Pampanga up to Pangasinan by local crafstmen who were either Ilokano or strongly influenced by Ilokano styles. The same area was responsible for many of the "Negrito" bolos, which can be used to define many of the Ilokano traits in knifemaking (as discussed here). Blade forms are varied, with the tabak (aka the Negrito katana), dahong palay, and ginunting being quite common, as well as clipped blades (some resembling a Bowie knife). There are other styles as well, including heavy-bladed work knives of various forms, and even a "double-clipped" version. I've attached a picture of the latter profile on a large knife that measures 21.5 inches overall. There are a lot of nice knives coming out of northern Luzon. Ian. Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 16th January 2018 at 12:54 AM.

16th January 2018, 04:27 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,519	Hi Charles, Hard to say the age because it has been worked on a bit judging from the cleaned blade and the shiny leather sheath--all in good condition. I would say probably pre-WW II, but not as early as the revolutionary war. So first half of the 20th C. would be my guess. The local name for this one would probably be sinan paddak based on the horse hoof hilt. Ian. Last edited by Ian; 16th January 2018 at 04:40 PM.

18th January 2018, 07:10 PM	#5
ashkenaz Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 23	It seems that Luzon Bolos have too much western influences on their design, to the point that I think I can't deem it "Filipino" anymore in my opinion. But just Spanish short swords made by Filipinos. Am I being heretical? Sorry about that. Last edited by ashkenaz; 19th January 2018 at 08:37 AM.

16th January 2018, 01:22 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Ian, Any ideas about the date it was produced. It's in great condition but has seen some time. I don't think it is new.

16th January 2018, 04:42 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	As always, thanks, Ian.