A Nice Bicol Minasbad With Unique Carving on the Scabbard

[CharlesS]

Here is a fine and rather rare example of a minasbad sword from Bicol in the N. Philippines. It is one of the best examples I have seen and dates to the late 19th-early 20th Century. The sword still maintains its full thin textile waistbelt. The most curious thing about it is the carving of a Star of David and half sunrise on the scabbard. I am not aware of the Star of David having much of an impact on Filipino history or culture, although, I do know that one can be found over the main gate at Fort Santiago in Manila.

Does anyone know the significance of this carving?

There have been some suggestions that it looks to be a Freemason symbol.


Sword Dimensions:
Overall length: 27.75in./70.5cm.
Blade length: 19.25in./49cm. W
Widest point of the blade: 2in./5cm.