Bontoc Sword

Nonoy Tan · 30th April 2011, 08:55 AM

Woodcarvers and blacksmiths create items depending on specifications provided by buyers, e.g middlemen. Whether finely or crudely carved, thick or thin spine depends on the specifications taking into consideration, expected profit margins, prices that tourists can afford, etc. The market for such items is still large in Northern Luzon. However, stiff competition haso driven quality and prices down. But then again, typical tourists usually do not have the same idea of quality as weapon collectors. Thus, in the case of this dagger, collectors would probably judge it as poor quality but tourists would probably love it. I am generalizing of course.

This dagger does not seem to be prevalent nowadays in the souvenir shops. Perhaps it was not a successful tourist item (from a souvenir business point of view) and therefore ceased to be produced. By the way, the design is Ifugao, not Bontoc. There are lots of Ifugaos in Bontoc areas, making and selling souvenir items. Also, lots of Ifugao-made souvenir items are brought to Bontoc to be sold. Some Bontoc souvenir makers have even adopted Ifugao designs.

Nonetheless, this dagger is a lethal weapon and may have its practical uses.

Tatyana Dianova · 30th April 2011, 08:34 PM

Nonoy Tan: this is a very valuable information indeed, thank you for sharing.
And you are right, it is a lethal weapon

I haven't shown enough respect to it while cleaning and was immediately punished with a clean cut, although there were two layers of thick paper between my hand and the blade - the blade is really razor sharp! And I do not remember being cut with a blade for at least last several years

Battara · 1st May 2011, 12:12 AM

So Nonoy Tan, this style of spearhead is Ifugao and not a general type of spear used but all Igorot groups?

30th April 2011, 08:55 AM	#1
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Woodcarvers and blacksmiths create items depending on specifications provided by buyers, e.g middlemen. Whether finely or crudely carved, thick or thin spine depends on the specifications taking into consideration, expected profit margins, prices that tourists can afford, etc. The market for such items is still large in Northern Luzon. However, stiff competition haso driven quality and prices down. But then again, typical tourists usually do not have the same idea of quality as weapon collectors. Thus, in the case of this dagger, collectors would probably judge it as poor quality but tourists would probably love it. I am generalizing of course. This dagger does not seem to be prevalent nowadays in the souvenir shops. Perhaps it was not a successful tourist item (from a souvenir business point of view) and therefore ceased to be produced. By the way, the design is Ifugao, not Bontoc. There are lots of Ifugaos in Bontoc areas, making and selling souvenir items. Also, lots of Ifugao-made souvenir items are brought to Bontoc to be sold. Some Bontoc souvenir makers have even adopted Ifugao designs. Nonetheless, this dagger is a lethal weapon and may have its practical uses.

30th April 2011, 08:34 PM	#2
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 737	Nonoy Tan: this is a very valuable information indeed, thank you for sharing. And you are right, it is a lethal weapon I haven't shown enough respect to it while cleaning and was immediately punished with a clean cut, although there were two layers of thick paper between my hand and the blade - the blade is really razor sharp! And I do not remember being cut with a blade for at least last several years

1st May 2011, 12:12 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	So Nonoy Tan, this style of spearhead is Ifugao and not a general type of spear used but all Igorot groups?