BAGOBO BOLO?

[Ian]

Hi Lief:

That's an unusual one for a couple of reasons. First, the hilt seems to be wood with no brass. Is that right? If it is all wood, then that is more uncommon than all brass. I've only seen one other example of an all wood Bagobo hilt. Also, the pommel has some carved designs on the side--again uncommon. The hilt looks pretty old judging from the wear on the carved areas of the grip. Is the blade pinned near the guard?

Second, the scabbard has a suspension system. That's an anomaly because Bagobo groups wear their sword tucked through a sash or belt.

So I'm wondering if this is a sword in the Bagobo style made for another Lumad group. Bagobos did trade their weapons, and I recall accounts of the Mandya and Manobo using Bagobo weapons. Alternatively, this might have been carried/brought back by a US soldier. Any provenance?

Look forward to seeing more pictures when you have cleaned it.

Ian.
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