Looking vintage and antique samples of Talibong of Panay Island

[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.

[Robert]

I'm glad you appreciate these weapons

Actually I prefer the older working examples and most of my collection is made up of these with a few more elaborate pieces thrown in when I find ones that I can afford. You are quite correct that these older pieces are built like tanks with most blades being at least 1/4 inch thick or more, beautifully made and of wonderful craftsmanship. I have added one more photo of an older example from my collection, but this one has the more elaborate deity hilt and buffalo horn guard. Sorry about the poor quality of the photo.

[Spunjer]

more...

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

more...

Can't stop drooling...Spunjer, those are some holy grail talibongs you've got...

[Spunjer]

and here's one that's gonna throw you off.
i'm willing to bet the original owner was from Panay

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

and here's one that's gonna throw you off.
i'm willing to bet the original owner was from Panay

Ah yes one of the legendary curios in this forum. I've seen it before and it's one heck of a hybrid!

Handling-wise though- how do you find your talibongs? Which one do you like best in terms of balance? Are some too heavy or too light? Which one is your personal favorite?

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Robert

Actually I prefer the older working examples and most of my collection is made up of these with a few more elaborate pieces thrown in when I find ones that I can afford. You are quite correct that these older pieces are built like tanks with most blades being at least 1/4 inch thick or more, beautifully made and of wonderful craftsmanship. I have added one more photo of an older example from my collection, but this one has the more elaborate deity hilt and buffalo horn guard. Sorry about the poor quality of the photo.

That's a great example, and in my eyes an in-between of utility to elaborate talibongs