Datu Class Bagobo Bolo

[Battara]

Greetings.

I got this last year and took a lot of time on this. The end was missing, so I had to remake and carve a new section that was missing on the terminal end. Thus I also made the brass ends from scratch.

The brass work on the front of the hilt was missing as well, so I made this from scratch as well, although I did buy the little tiger bells. I also placed beads inside the top of the brass cup as per tradition for talismanic value.

I was able to stabilize parts of the beadwork on the scabbard, and hand sewed parts of the beadwork back together, though major parts were good.

You will notice a long strap. Ian and I discussed this and figured that this probably belonged to a shoulder bag at one time.

I based my work on research, and a big thanks to Ian for his insights.

BTW - I did etch the blade but nothing came out so far. Interesting fuller work on it though.

This example belonged to a datu (according to examples carried by Bagobo datus) and I would put this from the late 19th century at least.

Rare to get an example like this.

Enjoy.

[Sajen]

Very nice Bagobo sword! :eek: And good restore work as well. I hope that I will be able one day to own such a sword.

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

Thank you Detlef. I agree - I have been looking for one like this for 15 years.....

[VANDOO]

A GREAT CATCH AND EXCELLENT RESTORATION. YOUR WORK JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND YOU STAY VERY LUCKY JOSE :D I WOULD HAVE WANTED ONE OF THESE FOR YEARS TOO BUT HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A NICE EXAMPLE. NOW I WANT ONE TOO. :rolleyes:

[Ian]

Jose,

This one came out very well. It is remarkably complete and I like the touches that you added back to it. Excellent example.

Ian.

[Battara]

Thank you. The nearly complete beadwork on this is what first caught my eye.