Instant Philippine Spear Collection

[drac2k]

I just acquired these 4 spears; I believe one of them to be Moro and the other 3 to be Igorot. One is a Kay-Yan & the other is a Fang-Kao, however, I am uncertain about the one with an anthropomorphic body.
These have been discussed here before without any concise conclusions other than there are male & female versions. They have been labeled anything from Tourist pieces(even though their rarity as mentioned before might dispel that notion), to pieces to ward off evil spirits. Could this spear be Formosan? I might add that the tip is very sharp.
Maybe someone has some additional information at this time?

[Battara]

I would say all are from the Philippines. The figural one I have seen before and is also Igorot, but not sure from what tribe. I believe it represents an ancestor.

All very nice and in great pristine condition. Congratulations!

Would you show close ups of the Moro one, including the very bottom of the shaft?

[drac2k]

As per your request. I am curious about your comments on the end of the spear.

[kronckew]

it's a counterbalance weight, lead or possibly brass, maybe steel.
Looks like a chunk is broken off one side of it.

[drac2k]

Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum. I first encountered this end cap some years ago and I then, thought that somebody placed the endcap of a walking cane on the spear, however, this is the 3rd or 4th example that I have seen and I'm wondering if this is a coincidence or was a protective cap added to these spears by their makers. That is why I was curious as to Battera's request to see both ends of the spear.

[kino]

Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum.

Examine it closely, it could be a Carabao horn.

[Battara]

I think Kino is right - my guess - carabao horn, which was not unusual for these pieces.

Thank you for posting these pics. Maybe in a couple of years I will make it to see you at Baltimore again.

[drac2k]

I think you guys are right; what purpose do you think they served other than decorative?
It would be great to see you there; I'm still trying to get Jim to come as well!

[kai]

Good examples, David!

what purpose do you think they served other than decorative?
Function would be to protect the wooden end from mechanical damage as well as from excessive moisture when placed onto the ground.

Horn is tough and can be readily replaced when worn out.


The Baltimore show would be great to visit sometime...

Regards,
Kai

[drac2k]

The more the merrier!

[Battara]

Kai is right in his assessment. Horn is tough stuff. Sometimes on higher ranked pieces you might find metal like brass or steel/iron rapping the bottom.