Philippine head ax origin, use and information

[Bill M]

I am being asked by a Discovery crew to give a short talk on the Philippine head ax. I believe this is some kind of antique/unusual object road show.

Apparently they have one that is not a great example, so I need information about the origin, use and any other information this erudite forum can kindly provide. I do have a very good quality head ax that I will bring to the video interview.

Your responses are greatly appreciated!

[Lew]

Bill

I think the axe is used for cutting meat. The spike end is stuck into a piece of wood or the ground with the ctting end up in this way one can just run the meat across the cutting edge to slice it up. when carrying meat back to the village it can be placed on that back spike the axe is then slung over the shoulder spike up.

See link

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7438

[migueldiaz]

Hello, Bill. Nonoy Tan would be the best person to ask.

I think in the entire Philippines and perhaps elsewere, he's the one that is most knowledgeable about these Cordillera ("Igorot") head axes.

Best wishes :)

[Bill M]

Thank Lew and Lorenzo. I had missed Nonoy Tan's post. I will also email him.