Help with identification please

chmorshuutz · 17th February 2023, 01:22 PM

If this was indeed a Moro blade, it's probably a "janap", sometimes they also call it "utak" which is a cognate of the Tagalog term "itak". The edge seems to look similar.

P.S. The one at the top with rattan wrapping on handle is definitely an Ifugao blade, which is usually characterized by their socket handles, rattan wrappings and open scabbard. If it's pointy and has single edge, they call it "pinahig". If it's double edged, they usually call it "hinalung". Even then, these are general terms, but commonly used. As far as I know there are even more precise terms like "nauntukan", "pehlet", etc. because both pinahig and hinalung can have variations in blade profile, but my knowledge pales in comparison to those who actually know it.

Btw here's my janap, a recent sample from Sulu:

kai · 17th February 2023, 02:57 PM

I'm far from convinced that this blade is closely related at all - the sharpened round tip seems to imply a specialized tool function rather than merely being a generic cutting tool. Also note the differences in the blade base as well as the hilt.

If this really is the modern version of the antique version shown above in this thread, it has seen a complete re-design like with the "modern pira" blades!

Regards,
Kai

Inusuit · 17th February 2023, 03:19 PM

Thanks again to everyone for the information.

I think chmorshuutz nailed my artifact.

To answer some questions.

I am fortunate to have volunteered at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne since 2015 and have worked in collections since 2018, starting with firearms and moving on to edged weapons after completing the inventory update and research on guns. I have 70 years experience with firearms; swords are new to me but I'm learning thanks to the internet and forums like this one. I have over 60 short videos on firearms and some swords on the Museum's YouTube channel. Yes, it has been a wonderful opportunity to have access to items in storage (over 70,000 total artifacts) and to interact with museum professionals.

The Wyoming State Museum does have online access to the collections inventory. Go here:

https://wyomuseum.wyo.gov/index.php/collections

Here is additional information on the knife in question as per request:

The blade is 1/4 inch thick at the hilt and tapers evenly to the tip. It weighs 1 pound 2.5 ounces on a postal scale. The top edge of the blade just ahead of the hilt is marked with XII. The patina on the mark matches the rest of the blade but may have been later added by a previous owner?

The blade is 10 7/8 inches long 3.5 inches at the widest point. Grip is 7 1/4 inches.

I will post more pictures later. Again, thanks to everyone for educating me.

kai · 17th February 2023, 10:04 PM

Thanks for the additional data! Looking forward to seeing more pics.

Quote:

I think chmorshuutz nailed my artifact.

Nah, I beg to differ: If anyone, then Carlos did it!

Some of these wall plagues have names on the pieces. I'd first try to find one which also have this type of blade with a name...

Quote:

The top edge of the blade just ahead of the hilt is marked with XII. The patina on the mark matches the rest of the blade but may have been later added by a previous owner?

These marks are quite common on blades throughout the region. Extremely likely to be original.

Regards,
Kai

JeffS · 9th May 2023, 04:24 PM

Just noticed that the Moro page on http://old.blades.free.fr/ has a labeled display calling that particular blade a gololo and defines the term as a heavy Moro chopper in the glossary of that site.

17th February 2023, 01:22 PM	#1
chmorshuutz Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 50	If this was indeed a Moro blade, it's probably a "janap", sometimes they also call it "utak" which is a cognate of the Tagalog term "itak". The edge seems to look similar. P.S. The one at the top with rattan wrapping on handle is definitely an Ifugao blade, which is usually characterized by their socket handles, rattan wrappings and open scabbard. If it's pointy and has single edge, they call it "pinahig". If it's double edged, they usually call it "hinalung". Even then, these are general terms, but commonly used. As far as I know there are even more precise terms like "nauntukan", "pehlet", etc. because both pinahig and hinalung can have variations in blade profile, but my knowledge pales in comparison to those who actually know it. Btw here's my janap, a recent sample from Sulu: Attached Images Last edited by chmorshuutz; 17th February 2023 at 01:36 PM. Reason: Added comments on the topmost blade

9th May 2023, 04:24 PM	#5
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 309	Just noticed that the Moro page on http://old.blades.free.fr/ has a labeled display calling that particular blade a gololo and defines the term as a heavy Moro chopper in the glossary of that site. Attached Images

17th February 2023, 02:57 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,228	I'm far from convinced that this blade is closely related at all - the sharpened round tip seems to imply a specialized tool function rather than merely being a generic cutting tool. Also note the differences in the blade base as well as the hilt. If this really is the modern version of the antique version shown above in this thread, it has seen a complete re-design like with the "modern pira" blades! Regards, Kai

17th February 2023, 03:19 PM	#3
Inusuit Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Posts: 4	Thanks again to everyone for the information. I think chmorshuutz nailed my artifact. To answer some questions. I am fortunate to have volunteered at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne since 2015 and have worked in collections since 2018, starting with firearms and moving on to edged weapons after completing the inventory update and research on guns. I have 70 years experience with firearms; swords are new to me but I'm learning thanks to the internet and forums like this one. I have over 60 short videos on firearms and some swords on the Museum's YouTube channel. Yes, it has been a wonderful opportunity to have access to items in storage (over 70,000 total artifacts) and to interact with museum professionals. The Wyoming State Museum does have online access to the collections inventory. Go here: https://wyomuseum.wyo.gov/index.php/collections Here is additional information on the knife in question as per request: The blade is 1/4 inch thick at the hilt and tapers evenly to the tip. It weighs 1 pound 2.5 ounces on a postal scale. The top edge of the blade just ahead of the hilt is marked with XII. The patina on the mark matches the rest of the blade but may have been later added by a previous owner? The blade is 10 7/8 inches long 3.5 inches at the widest point. Grip is 7 1/4 inches. I will post more pictures later. Again, thanks to everyone for educating me.