African or Philippine ??

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Battara

Detlef, I considered the carving being Bicolano, but again the style and motif don't fit well at all in my opinion.

Hello Jose,

like said, I don't say that it is Bicolano but before I rule it out I would like to see better pictures. In the meanwhile I post a picture from a very interesting Bicol bolo which Rick sold recently for comparison. Let's wait until Drac2k will be able to show better pictures. I am special curious to see pictures from the cleaned blade since I think that the execution of forging can give us hints if the "bolo" in question could come from Africa or somewhere else. But agree with you and Ian that the pommel carving would be more as unusual for a Bicol carving.

Best regards,
Detlef