Bagobo Datu Spear
 

Greetings folks.

Here is the only Bagobo datu spear I have. I just finished restoring it based on research from old pictures and Krieger’s work.

The blade is steel with silver and bronze/brass dots. All of the silver inlays are reminiscent of Moro datu kris blade work.

Beneath the blade are a bronze collar with worn down spirals and a brass collar with “figures” chased in it. Below all of that is a section of brass hammered wire, held at the bottom with a bone ring.

At the distal end the spear was split and I glued that, then made the Bagobo figured brass sleeve with a hammered cap at the end.

I would place this at the end of the 19th century.

Here is a picture of a Bagobo datu taken in 1900. Notice the spiral wire wrap near the hand and especially the spear blade with inlay.

Lovely piece and interesting information!

Thank you for sharing! :)

One of the most attractive Philippines spears I have seen!

Brilliant restoration, Jose!

Lovely symbolism. Great piece!

Very nice piece, Jose!

Do the silver as well as the brass inlays have central dots from another alloy? Could you take a close-up, please?

Regards,
Kai

Thank you folks.

Hi Kai, I hope this picture is what you were asking. The only metals that I can find are silver (more like a sterling silver of around 90-92% silver and 10-8% copper alloy) and brass/bronze. No other alloys are present.

Very nice spear Jose, masterfully restored to its original glory.

After re-reading your question again, I now understand better. The round/middle parts of the dots and inlays are the same. The color differentials are from lighting and the effects of etching. I etched the blade just in case there was a pattern in the steel (and yes it makes the inlays pop out better).

Beautiful spear Jose, congrats! :) :cool: