African or Philippine ??

Sajen · 28th October 2017, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

Very interesting Detlef; is the blade similar?

Hello Drac2k,

no, not. But I want to show why I don't want to rule out Bicol.

Regards,
Detlef

Jim McDougall · 28th October 2017, 04:13 PM

This is really interesting, and I know little on Philippines weapons other than just comparative references and I would be torn between African and those archipelagos in Philippine regions.
However, for the hilt I think Detlef has shown compelling comparison for Bicolano, and the similarity is enough that subtle deviation might be attributed to artisan styling.

As far as the blades, there is so much remounting of blades into local hilts and generational refurbishing I would think it would be hard to conclusively classify a weapon by focus on either component. The best we can estimate is possibly a proclivity to the hilt region as that is usually the determining factor as a local preference, while blades travelled considerably.

Looking forward to what you guys, whose knowledge of these weapons is fascinating, will determine.

drac2k · 28th October 2017, 05:08 PM

I think close-ups of the cleaned blade and the material that the handle is wrapped in will help in the determination of origin.

Sajen · 28th October 2017, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

I think close-ups of the cleaned blade and the material that the handle is wrapped in will help in the determination of origin.

Exactly my thoughts as well!

28th October 2017, 04:13 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	This is really interesting, and I know little on Philippines weapons other than just comparative references and I would be torn between African and those archipelagos in Philippine regions. However, for the hilt I think Detlef has shown compelling comparison for Bicolano, and the similarity is enough that subtle deviation might be attributed to artisan styling. As far as the blades, there is so much remounting of blades into local hilts and generational refurbishing I would think it would be hard to conclusively classify a weapon by focus on either component. The best we can estimate is possibly a proclivity to the hilt region as that is usually the determining factor as a local preference, while blades travelled considerably. Looking forward to what you guys, whose knowledge of these weapons is fascinating, will determine.

28th October 2017, 05:08 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	I think close-ups of the cleaned blade and the material that the handle is wrapped in will help in the determination of origin.