Mindanao blade - ID assistance please

[Marbel]

Sorry, posted this in the swap forum first by mistake.

Hello,

Please assist me by taking a look at the attached photo and letting me know your thoughts. Sorry for the relative poor quality as it was emailed to me.

This blade was picked up in southern Mindanao in the early '70s. The owner remembers buying it from a T'boli. I see T'boli there, but Bagobo as well.

Your expertise is sought, welcomed and appreciated.

Best,
Marbel

[Ian]

Hello Marbel:

The knife you show is definitely T'boli based on the geometric shapes on the brass hilt and sheath. The presence of small hawk bells is also common for T'boli metalwork. There is a similar style of knife made by the Bagobo with a different hilt (usually of wood). The Bagobo knife is called sangngi, but I don't have the T'boli name for their knife.

These knives are often referred to as "women's knives" but they are also used by men as small, general purpose knives.

The brass work and hawk bells are nicely done on your knife. The decorated brass hilt and sheath are made using the lost wax method. If you want to read more about T'boli Art and lifestyle, I recommend the book T'boli Art in Its Socio-Cultural Context, by Gabriel S. Casal, published in 1978 by Ayala Museum, Makati, Metro Manila.

Ian.

[Sajen]

Hello Marbel,

agree with all what Ian has written. Very nice knife you have there, I have a very similar one, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18261&highlight=bagobo In this thread you can find also some informations.

Regards,
Detlef

[Marbel]

Gentlemen, thank you very much for the quick and informative replies!