[RobT]

h0ll0wman,

You're welcome. I have read that the traditionally forged Philippine serpentine blades are "forged around a mandril" which accounts for the center ridge following the edge curves but "forged around a mandril" seems to me to be a bit vague and I would love to get a more detailed description of the process. What is also interesting about your gunong is the tip. Battara's example is what is normally found. The tip on yours looks more like tips found on Ilocano (often inscribed "Negrito") serpentine blades (see the thread "A Very Interesting Philippine Weapon" started by drac2k). I wonder if the folks up north are making their own take on a southern weapon form.

Sincerely,
RobT