Tenegre and mystery knife...

[tom hyle]

Now this is a matter of interpretation, for sure, but when it's a simply-finished piece in a traditional style, showing multiple marks of process (which Westerners/overculture don't like), and seemingly an effective piece made with every capability for use, I tend to think that's a native piece for the native market. The idea that the simplified fist means it's newer might hold water, as stylization of naturalistic shapes is a longstanding PI pommel carving tradition, such as makes its affect more pronounced over time from the introduction of a form (but are those hand shaped pommels on Moro kampilans?), but I don't think it indicates anything to do with the idea of tourist, or even decorator, or decadent status. BTW, I'm replying to way more than was said by anyone here and now; I know this; I'm talking to the world, about the world; please try to dig it. Excellent gift.