Luzon Bolo With Wootz Blade!

Ian · 22nd August 2005, 10:12 AM

Hi Lew:

I can sort of see a pattern of something, but the pics are less than convincing. Even so, assuming this is wootz, it is a very unusual finding on a distinctly Filipino sword from Luzon -- I've not seen another example. The sword blade is definitely a Filipino pattern ("matulis"). The hilt and scabbard suggest c. 1900 or a little later, perhaps a Katipunan piece from the symbols on the hilt.

Possibly the most likely source for a wootz ingot might have been via the Muslims in the south of teh Philippines, and their contacts with other Muslims in Malaysia, India and Arabia. Perhaps something brought back from the Haj that found its way into the hands of a Christian Filipino.

Intriguing piece if it does turn out to be wootz.

Ian.

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22nd August 2005, 10:12 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Hi Lew: I can sort of see a pattern of something, but the pics are less than convincing. Even so, assuming this is wootz, it is a very unusual finding on a distinctly Filipino sword from Luzon -- I've not seen another example. The sword blade is definitely a Filipino pattern ("matulis"). The hilt and scabbard suggest c. 1900 or a little later, perhaps a Katipunan piece from the symbols on the hilt. Possibly the most likely source for a wootz ingot might have been via the Muslims in the south of teh Philippines, and their contacts with other Muslims in Malaysia, India and Arabia. Perhaps something brought back from the Haj that found its way into the hands of a Christian Filipino. Intriguing piece if it does turn out to be wootz. Ian.