Katipunan Matulis Short Sword?

[Battara]

Greetings folks,

Here is a matulis tabak that I think is katipunan. However, I am not 100% sure. It is Tagalog in blade form (matulis) and the tang goes all the way through the horn hilt.

What puzzles me is the carving. Is this a Spaniard??

Around 2001 on this forum, Zelbone once said this:

"Actually the head of a dead Spaniard was a very popular motif for pommels of katipunan bolos or swords. The defiant fist or hand pommel was also symbolic of the katipunan effort. The best variety though is the fist grasping the head of a dead Spaniard (you know the head is of a Spaniard because of the heavy moustache that was popular during that time and most Filipinos didn't wear moustaches in that fashion.)" (my bolding of text)

The mustache is huge and the sideburns large. Very European/Spanish. But who is he? What does this carving indicate?

Please help me (some say I need lots of help :D )?

[VANDOO]

A INTERESTING AND WELL CARVED PIECE. THE CLOTHING WOULD ALSO LEAD ME TO SUSPECT HE WAS SPANISH AND OF SOME IMPORTANCE. DUE TO THE DETAIL IN THE CLOTHES ONE MIGHT BE ABLE TO PIN DOWN THE TIME FRAME BETTER. I AM NOT A FASHONISTA BUT PERHAPS A SEARCH OF FASHIONS IN SPAIN DURING THE PERIOD WOULD GIVE YOU A CLOSE MATCH. THE WORD YOU USE MATULUS IS OF ROMAN ORIGIN SO WOULD LIKELY POINT TO SPAIN AS WELL. GOOD LUCK

[Battara]

Actually Barry, Matulis means "pointed" in Tagalog. In defiance of Spanish law that forbid Filipinos to have points on their bolos (too dangerous to Spanish), Tagalogs had points on their bolos, like this one.

However, good idea regarding looking up fashion trends of the time period. Nothing so far that totally fits this carved image (yet?)......

[carlos]

Congratulations with this new adquisition, is the first time I see one carved hilt like this. Thanks
best regards

carlos

[Robert]

Hello Jose, Another great addition to your collection. I'm in total agreement with your initial assessment of this piece as to age and origin. Looking at the carving though the person depicted on the hilt looks more to me of being of Asian origin, possible Japanese or Chinese? Congratulation on such a great find.

Best,
Robert

P.S.
You know where to send it when you grow tired of looking at it. :D

[Sajen]

Hello Jose,

very nice matulis! I am in agreement with you, the hilt person look spanish, so you have also the time frame when it was made IMHO. :shrug:

Regards,

Detlef

[Robert]

Just a thought, could this possibly be the likeness of Marcelo Hilario del Pilar ?

[Sajen]

Why not!

[VANDOO]

A VERY LIKELY CANDIDATE AS HE WAS A HERO OF THE PHILIPPINES THOUGH HE WAS ALSO SPANISH. THE CUT OF THE COAT AND THE TIE LOOK SIMULAR TO THAT TIME PERIOD AND HIS STATION IN LIFE. IF THE CARVING SHOWS ANY MASONIC SYMBOLS THAT WOULD CLINCH IT AS TO WHO IT IS.

[Battara]

I thought of an early Pilar. Was not sure enough though.

Unfortunately not one Masonic or other symbol on it.