Looking vintage and antique samples of Talibong of Panay Island

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Battara

Here is my taribon example:

Gorgeous. That one has Linamay blade profile, and comes from the province of Aklan as based on the J-configuration of the scabbard and the hilt characteristics. It must have come from a very accomplished warrior, or was used as payment for a marriage dowry. While the hilt design is still sustained in modern blades from Libacao, Aklan, the art of putting metal to declare the wielder's status is currently lost.

[Battara]

Thank you Xasterix.

For clarity's sake, I restored the top part of the nose and one of the coin "ears" as well as making the scabbard based on research done there and shared by a former formite known here as Migueldiaz. I also took off the nickel plating that later coated the blade.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Battara

Thank you Xasterix.

For clarity's sake, I restored the top part of the nose and one of the coin "ears" as well as making the scabbard based on research done there and shared by a former formite known here as Migueldiaz. I also took off the nickel plating that later coated the blade.

That's great! Yes, I'm acquainted with sir Lorenz Lasco, who happens to be my best friend's uncle. I attended one of his talks last year about Philippine swords; I'm glad he's still fighting the good fight with regard to educating people on ancient sandata and the deep historical and cultural nuances brought about by such.

[Robert]

Here is an example from my collection.

Best,
Robert

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Robert

Here is an example from my collection.

Best,
Robert

Lovely piece sir, thanks for sharing! Seems that the original owner has some distinction, based on the metal adornments on the figural head. May I ask if you know of its provenance?

[Robert]

Lovely piece sir, thanks for sharing! Seems that the original owner has some distinction, based on the metal adornments on the figural head. May I ask if you know of its provenance?

You are most welcome. Unfortunately as this was sold by auction and came to me with no provenance what so ever. Here though is a link to the original thread on this piece that contains a few of the original auction photos as well as some very helpful information from Lorenz and other knowledgeable forum members. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=tenegre I have also added a few more examples from my collection. One with beautiful carved buffalo horn hilt with horn covered sheath and three plain working examples.

Best,
Robert

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Robert

You are most welcome. Unfortunately as this was sold by auction and came to me with no provenance what so ever. Here though is a link to the original thread on this piece that contains a few of the original auction photos as well as some very helpful information from Lorenz and other knowledgeable forum members. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=tenegre I have also added a few more examples from my collection. One with beautiful carved buffalo horn hilt with horn covered sheath and three plain working examples.

Best,
Robert

I love them all sir- especially the one with the horn-covered sheath.

Looking at the working samples, I can't help but compare them to what's currently being produced today in the same blade hotspots in Panay Island. These old samples seem sturdier and better-looking than their modern counterparts. I'm guessing these three are built like tanks, since their spine would be thick.

I'm glad you appreciate these weapons sir, especially the ones that are now deemed as extinct (there is currently no known traditional smith who can make Iloilo talibong; the ones that are still being propagated are from Libacao, Aklan- the talibongs there are distinct because of their J-shaped scabbards and long-nosed, large-eyed figural hilts, like what Battara posted).

Hopefully more of these antique pieces emerge in order to provide a benchmark for the unsurpassed quality of Philippine bladed weapons in a bygone age, and hopefully serve as guideposts or inspiration for the current generation of traditional smiths.