Bontoc Shield
 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

Comments?

Bill:

Looks authentic from the pictures but it is hard to tell age, even when you are holding the piece.

I have one that is almost identical that I know is from the early- or mid-20th C. The one that just sold is in better shape and may be older than mine, with a nicer finish to the wood and rattan, but it is VERY hard to judge the age of Igorot woodwork sometimes, especially some of the stuff that has been coming on to the market in recent years.

This one looks old (circa 1900), but it may not be.

I think it looks correct and authentic, too.

I think that these are the same people who sold a very good looking Kalinga piece about a week or so ago. I think the Kalinga piece went for over $800, which is a good price for one of these things. If so, this shield was put on at the same time with I think a $350 opening bid. I guess it didn't sell.

It looks like it is real and has a little age. I actually looks older than the one that I have. I don't knock real items made in the traditional way even if they are relativley new. We can't all afford or even get hold of 18 or 19 century material. There is not that much available. After all this material self destructs unless it is well taken care of.

Good memory, Mick. Here is a link to the Kalinga piece, which was distictive in style and also in great condition:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7300912396

Yes, that Kalinga shield is a very nice example. It has the same "glossy" look as the Bontoc shield. Seems that they have both been treated with a similar coating of wax or polish. Quite an attractive finish, but probably not original.

The kalinga shield looked fairly authentic to me, while I know for a fact that the Bontoc shield is not......and they did NOT come from the same seller, by the way.
In fact, one member asked me about an opinion during the sale and I told him that it's a reproduction, with the source seller having sent me a photo of about 1/2 dozen that he has and he told me that they were repros when he offered me one......I didn't say conclusively, but the strong wording about "it will get there when it gets there" made me suspect that the seller was pre-selling pieces before ordering them from the Philippines only claiming they were much older than they were.
I also HAVE one exactly like it that I bought about 4-5 years ago for $45 from a dealer in Manilla about the same time I bought that large batch(25 ) of Mindenao pieces, a couple older but most made in the past 30 years or so.
Can you say "ouch!"?
I certainly did and also learned a lesson about how much prices can change in just 4-5 years! LOL! Ouch,ouch,ouch,ouch!
Mike

I was interested in it until I consulted several Forum members who suggested it was not old. Recently made and patinated.

And I quote:

"I can not be sure, but from the photos (To be sure I need to see it in
person) I would say that the ebay shield is not very old, and not made for use. It is very clean and crisp with no signs of age or use. It looks to be a bit of a harder wood as you can see the tool marks. The older ones are some kind of fiberous palm wood, and the adz marks are not present. In the Phillipines they have been making these for the market and they are very good at rattan weaving, and making the old dark patina as you can see on this one. I would not recomend this shield for your collection."

I have 2 of these shields. One seems to be quite a bit older & shows its use. The younger one seems to be made exactly the same way, but slightly smaller. I assume that there are 50 or more years of differance & likely more. Sad as it may be, the one that has never seen combat is hanging on the wall, the experienced one is in the closet. Love the old one, but I can get away (wife factor) with the newer one displayed.

Mike:

Thanks for your direct confirmation of my skepticism. These days I'm reluctant to come out and say publicly that something is not genuine, especially from pictures, but that Bontoc shield just did not look right for some reason — and you articulated well why it is not the real deal.

In the hand, the old ones are lighter than more recently made examples, reflecting different construction materials (as Mike said). Despite its size and bulk, my early 20th C. example of a Bontoc shield is really quite light and would be easily maneuvered for defensive purposes.

Ian.

It's my understandiong that at least some of these are "dance shields" and not made JUST for tourists, but I don't have any direct confirmation of this.
On most, a little digging with a fine blade (such as under the handle) will reveal a light wood that's been stained.
In my case, I'm happy with it for what it is, a ceremonial piece at best, but still a very good reproduction (good enough that it would be serviceable in a pinch) which displays well.
I just hate to see people arrempting to pass these, and other things, off as authentic, giving a distinctly unpleasant smell to an otherwise honorable and enjoyable hobby......in at least a couple cases, I've e-mailed the sellers and "hinted" about the origins only to get evasive and highly defensive replies, a la teeth and hair, that pretty well make it clear that it's NOT an accidental misidentification.
The probable original seller, on the other hand, is extremely honest and forthcoming, someone I have nothing but respect for.
Mike

Well if you think about it, the goal was not to stop a blow with a static shield, but deflect a blow with movement, causing the blow to move at an angle. Thus heavy shielding was not needed nor preferred. A heavy shield would not be conducive for light quick movement and footwork in battle.

That's 100% true, but my two "Warrior head" art shields offer a sense of protection better than any other shield I've ever seen, to the point that I suspect they would actually stop a medium caliber bullet!
Plus, look at the inspiration....I'd have to seriously hurt someone who looked like they were going to mess up that carving with a sword or spear!!!**grin**
In truth, I suspect that in a few years, even these recently made "dance shields" will get more costly as they slowly disapear altogether.
As more and more people move towards the cities and the modern world, the art will likely soon vanish completely so I hesitate to be too harsh on them.....they are well made and appear to be very much in keeping with the older ones as long as you're aware of what you're paying for and not getting scalped.
If you look at any area of weaponry where modern "masters" are keeping a style alive and you'll often find that the prices escalate up to or above some of the old antiques....perhaps this is the one saving rgace that may keep some of these tribal items from disappearing altogether.
Try to find a well made Native American warshield....I'm hoping, probably futiley, that some other rapidly modernizing cultures will learn from those that didn't.
Mike