Origin?

[kino]

Any ideas as to where this blade and scabbard originated from?
Does the scabbard motif give any clues?
Thanks.

[Ian]

Kino,

As a guess I think it could be from Zamboanga and Chavacano in origin. I had a Chavacano bolo in a similar scabbard, but it also had a drilled belt hanger (which yours does not have). The carving at the throat is vaguely Sulu but not quite right, as noted on other pieces from Zamboanga. Perhaps Yakan???

That looks a fearsome blade. Is it chisel-ground?

Ian.

[kino]

Thanks Ian, the blade is V ground.
I’ve never seen this blade profile from Mindanao / Sulu but the scabbards Naga carving I thought as being Moro. It’s a puzzle to me. I wish it came with the hilt.

[Ian]

There is a very similarly shaped blade with a Visayan hilt here (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2330&postcount=6). Also take a look at this thread (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1037&highlight=Chavacano) and Zamboanga's pictures of a Sulu market vendor. I'm wondering if what you have is a bangkung intended for agricultural use (splitting coconuts, etc.).

[Gavin Nugent]

This post may also offer a point to work out from towards the other regions who use similar scabbards.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.php?p=209995&postcount=7

[kino]

Thanks Ian & Gavin.
I was also thinking agricultural use Ian.
The shapes and profiles are close but still inconclusive to me.

[Battara]

The scabbard makes me also think possibly Palawan......

[Gavin Nugent]

Whilst not a exact representation of the type presented, there are a few within this image that loosely follow the rectangular profile and tip form of this one in question.

[xasterix]

Halloo,

I believe it may be a bangkung from Basilan or Zamboanga :)

[kino]

Thanks for your input gents.