Origin of the Kalinga Axe

[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