Bagobo Or T'boli ?

[Battara]

Originally Posted by Nonoy Tan

The T'boli and Bagobo are known to make those small bells attached to the knife. Moreover, the simplicity of the technology used to make these bells allows almost anybody in Mindanao to make these bells nowadays. I think the knife is Bagobo in its entirety - i.e. all parts of it made by the Bagobo.

The knife is not common because it is limited in use within Mindanao only. The other betel chewing people of the Philippines have their own types of small utility knives. It is difficult for me to estimate the age but I don't think it is a tourist item - i.e. not made for the purpose of sale to tourists.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge - very helpful Nanoy Tan.

[Battara]

Here is my Bagobo knife (from ebay : ):

[Battara]

Here are some other pictures of this type of knife:

[Nonoy Tan]

Here is another specimen.

[Battara]

Nonoy Tan, that is a nice piece right there. I usually don't go for this type of piece but yours is really nice. Especially like the bells and the brass/bronze work on the hilt.