Origin of the Kalinga Axe

[Navigator]

These are obviously fine head axes and must have cost quite a bit more when they were made than a simple utilitarian example.
So, a rich man may well have owned such a weapon.

These head axes were made by a specialist.

It would be an interesting project to determine exactly which village they were made in.
I think this may still be possible because the children of the artisan are probably still alive, as these pieces probably date from around 1920.

Perhaps someone on this forum already knows.

[Battara]

Nonoy Tan,

I looked over this thread again and realized I misunderstood your comment. I do know that there are chieftains among the Igorot tribes, but I think you were referring the word "datu" not the concept. As far as the word is concerned, I agree that it is not used among them - I just did not know what term to use at the time. The Kalinga term for chieftain (according to this article) is a pangat (http://www.cca.org.hk/resources/ctc/.../ctc02-02h.htm).

[Nonoy Tan]

Battara, thank you for providing this information.

Indeed the social and political structures among the various Luzon Cordillera groups (and other Philippine ethnic peoples) also varied.

[VANDOO]

RECENTLY SAW THESE FOR SALE ON EBAY AUCTION NOW CLOSED. THEY WERE IDENTIFIED AS NEOLITHIC STONE ADZ/AX FROM PHILIPPINES POSSIBLY FROM THE ISLAND OF PALAWAN. ONE MEASURES 8.5IN LONG X 5INCH WIDE THE OTHER 9 IN. LONG X 5 INCH. PERHAPS THE MORE MODERN AX EVOLVED FROM SOMETHING LIKE THIS IF THESE ARE GENUINE ARTEFACTS.

[Indianajones]

Hello Navigator, two quite quality Kalinga axes indeed! Those silver rings are not replacements as Battara mentioned b.t.w. I have seen/had other axes also with partly (original) silver rings which I could place in the region where the Kalingatribe meets their Tinguian neighbours. However I do think the axeblades are on backwards as mostly the handlespurs are on same side as the projecting blade, but I could always be proven wrong.

According the books there were two places where most iron blades were made; in Balbalassang (borderTinguian/Kalinga area) and a place around Bontoc (forgot the name now), but some other villages also had their own smithies. And those villages would be mostly all in the North Kalinga area and perhaps in the East region of the Kalingatribe, I reckon. I have visited a small ironsmith myself in Ableg (West of Tabuk).
Who made the handle and optional copperwork on it is the question. Perhaps another specialist as it looks like quite meticulous work and craftmanship.

Beautiful Kalinga axes as your would certainly be owned by experienced headhunters called 'Pangats' addorned with the chesttattoes who where greatly respected, however these where not necesseraly Chiefs. These axes are really arms of war and prestige (high costs!) and may be used once in a while in ceremonies. Hence also that wonderfull usage patine; shiny n brown.
The spur -by the way- was not only used for a good grip but was also the hook from which it hung tucked in the G-string hanging upside down when standing.

It would indeed be quite interesting to know where exactly your axes were made! I have also been studieing that for a while. There are many differences on the handles; the form of the spurs (projecting notch on handles), the copperwork, the geometric cutting in the copper, bladeshape, lenght of handle. I HAVE noticed that the spurs on the handles of Tinguian-area-examples are always quite triangular and 'sharp' of edges.

Thanks for sharing the (pics of) the Kalinga axes. I have included also a nice picture (slightly blurred) of two North Kalinga warriors with axes and a pic of the Kalinga section of my collection.

Best, Wouter

[VANDOO]

I RESURECT THIS THREAD TO ADD AN AX WITH DEFINITE PROVENANCE, STILL EVIDENT IN THE BLADE. IT WAS MADE OF A CONOCO GAS CAN ,USA, 1944

[Battara]

Interesting piece Barry. Never seen such from a gas can before. Looks Kalinga.

[Navigator]

Originally Posted by Indianajones

Hello Navigator, two quite quality Kalinga axes indeed! Those silver rings are not replacements as Battara mentioned b.t.w. I have seen/had other axes also with partly (original) silver rings which I could place in the region where the Kalingatribe meets their Tinguian neighbours. However I do think the axeblades are on backwards as mostly the handlespurs are on same side as the projecting blade, but I could always be proven wrong.

According the books there were two places where most iron blades were made; in Balbalassang (borderTinguian/Kalinga area) and a place around Bontoc (forgot the name now), but some other villages also had their own smithies. And those villages would be mostly all in the North Kalinga area and perhaps in the East region of the Kalingatribe, I reckon. I have visited a small ironsmith myself in Ableg (West of Tabuk).
Who made the handle and optional copperwork on it is the question. Perhaps another specialist as it looks like quite meticulous work and craftmanship.

It would indeed be quite interesting to know where exactly your axes were made! I have also been studieing that for a while. There are many differences on the handles; the form of the spurs (projecting notch on handles), the copperwork, the geometric cutting in the copper, bladeshape, lenght of handle. I HAVE noticed that the spurs on the handles of Tinguian-area-examples are always quite triangular and 'sharp' of edges.

Thanks for sharing the (pics of) the Kalinga axes. I have included also a nice picture (slightly blurred) of two North Kalinga warriors with axes and a pic of the Kalinga section of my collection.

Best, Wouter

Thanks Indiana Jones, aka Wouter. You have brought forth dormant memories from the well-spring of my past. It's exciting to meet someone who has travelled in that region.
Having spent some time in Balbalasang, Kalinga, I am fairly certain that these head axes were not forged there. Btw, Balbalasang is one of the most beautiful places in the Cordillera region with a clean fast river, forests of pine and an elevation of about 5000 ft. From there it's only about a day's hike into Abra.
I also don't think that these were made by the the famous blacksmiths in Tulgueo or But But in the Southern Kalinga along the Chico river, as they are not known for their brass work or fine detailing.
It seems to me that the fine brass work may have been done in Eastern Kalinga where the Gaddang are located. It may well be that the heads were forged in one location and the brass done by other artisans, as you suggest.

In my three years of visiting among the Kalingas in the late 1970's, I only saw one of these fine head axes in person. I suspect that they were nearly all collected in the early twentieth century.

Speaking of collections, yours is magnificent! I count four head axes among the Gaddang jackets, G-strings, hunter's cloaks, tapis, beads, earrings, gong handles and those wonderful Kalinga shields! WOW!

I was in Baguio City about a month ago after an absence of nearly twenty years. What a sad disappointment it is. It nearly broke my heart.
I call it Quiapo on the Hill now. I'm attaching a photo of a housing development there.

Let's stay in touch.
Cheers!