BAGOBO BOLO?

Rafngard · 19th September 2020, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

First, the hilt seems to be wood with no brass. Is that right?

Hello Ian, the pictures don't convey it well, but the hilt is made entirely of a very tarnished, non-magnetic metal. I assume brass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Is the blade pinned near the guard?

yes, via the surprisingly large circular structure near the gard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Alternatively, this might have been carried/brought back by a US soldier. Any provenance?

No provenance. It came from ebay and was described as a "Datu Indonesian sword." My guess is that it was a bring back.

Thanks,
Leif

Ian · 19th September 2020, 09:46 AM

Thanks Leif.

Pinning the hilt and tang like that is distinctly odd for any Mindanao group, or indeed for any Traditional Filipino weapon. I think this was probably WWII vintage and used by an American serviceman, or maybe even going back to the early 20th C when the US had forces on Mindanao to deal with the Moros.

Interesting piece.

Ian

Battara · 20th September 2020, 02:15 AM

That pinning my well have bee by a US GI since Bagobo didn't traditionally do this. Usually no need for it.

19th September 2020, 09:46 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,515	Thanks Leif. Pinning the hilt and tang like that is distinctly odd for any Mindanao group, or indeed for any Traditional Filipino weapon. I think this was probably WWII vintage and used by an American serviceman, or maybe even going back to the early 20th C when the US had forces on Mindanao to deal with the Moros. Interesting piece. Ian

20th September 2020, 02:15 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	That pinning my well have bee by a US GI since Bagobo didn't traditionally do this. Usually no need for it.