Advice for Fist of Ilokano Bolo

Ian · 7th February 2019, 09:58 PM

Jose and I have been talking about this hilt offline for a few days. The sword is a very nice example of Ilokano bladesmithing and the hilt is clearly first rate too. As far as rings on the finger of these fist hilts, I have only seen them on the fourth finger ("ring finger"), but there is probably no good reason why they should not appear on other fingers.

Attached is a picture of one of mine that has aluminum inlays (unfortunately not silver) and is probably mid- to late- 20th C in manufacture. A ring with an inset stone is visible. It too appears to be Ilokano in origin. I don't have a picture of the blade at this time, but IIRC it also had a double-clipped appearance (like Jose's).

Interesting to note that there are left- and right-handed versions of these hilts. I have no idea what the significance of that may be.

Ian.

Battara · 8th February 2019, 03:46 AM

Been researching the web for reasons that might explain a ring on the finger, much less a ring on the first finger. So far, no luck yet.

Robert · 8th February 2019, 06:47 AM

Looking at where this hole is positioned and the damage around the edge I would hazard to say that this was caused by an insect chewing through from the other side. I have seen this same damage on other horn hilts before where the offending insect had left a thin layer of horn on one end that had broken away later leaving the same raged edge shown here. Is there a hole on the other side of the finger and if so does it look straight, round, smooth on the inside and the same diameter all the way through like it was made by a drill or is the hole a bit larger inside the finger than where it first starts? If it is larger on the inside then it is bug damage, if not I am at a loss. There is no reason that I can think of to drill a hole of this size into the side of the finger as this one is to mount a ring or anything else I can think of.

If I were doing a restoration on this piece I would suggest to its owner (if he wanted this repaired) that the hole on the side that shows be evened up to remove the chipped edges. If this hole goes completely through the finger as I believe is does I would close the other end using something that could be easily removed latter like a piece of masking tape. Then fill the void about 3/4's of the way with a mixture of epoxy and black paint pigment stirring it around the inside with a toothpick or other appropriate item to insure the epoxy has a firm attachment to the entire inside surface of the hole. I would then carve a small piece of horn to create a tightly fitting plug with the grain and color matching as closely as possible to the rest of the hilt. Using the same epoxy pigment mixture fit this piece into the hilt using enough pressure to ensure as close to an invisible seam as possible. Clamp or tie the plug to maintain pressure until the epoxy dries. Regardless of what the adhesives instructions tell you let this to dry for a minimum of 48 hours. Once dry you can carve away the excess material to match the surrounding area and polish to match. Photo below of similar damage.

Spunjer · 8th February 2019, 11:23 PM

Ring on the finger signifies marriage to the country. understand there's no divorce in Filipino culture, so in essence this signifies loyalty to death. notice it's on the right hand as well, which is the custom...

so yeah, it should be on the ring finger

Battara · 9th February 2019, 05:10 AM

Ron this is what Lorenz says also. Thanks for your confirmation.

Robert, thanks. Great idea. However, I am not sure this is not a human made hole with a flat top. It is smaller inside and larger outside.

Robert · 9th February 2019, 05:45 AM

Quote:

It is smaller inside and larger outside.

I was speaking in reference to the hole on the other side of the finger behind the tang fittings. "IF" this hole was made by an insect larva the side where it broke through would be larger.

Battara · 10th February 2019, 01:08 AM

Oh........ok I understand better. Well, then this changes things. I double checked and it is extremely hard to see, but I think you are right - the hole is larger on the inside, but then gets smaller and then larger again.

7th February 2019, 09:58 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,397	Jose and I have been talking about this hilt offline for a few days. The sword is a very nice example of Ilokano bladesmithing and the hilt is clearly first rate too. As far as rings on the finger of these fist hilts, I have only seen them on the fourth finger ("ring finger"), but there is probably no good reason why they should not appear on other fingers. Attached is a picture of one of mine that has aluminum inlays (unfortunately not silver) and is probably mid- to late- 20th C in manufacture. A ring with an inset stone is visible. It too appears to be Ilokano in origin. I don't have a picture of the blade at this time, but IIRC it also had a double-clipped appearance (like Jose's). Interesting to note that there are left- and right-handed versions of these hilts. I have no idea what the significance of that may be. Ian. Attached Images

8th February 2019, 06:47 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Looking at where this hole is positioned and the damage around the edge I would hazard to say that this was caused by an insect chewing through from the other side. I have seen this same damage on other horn hilts before where the offending insect had left a thin layer of horn on one end that had broken away later leaving the same raged edge shown here. Is there a hole on the other side of the finger and if so does it look straight, round, smooth on the inside and the same diameter all the way through like it was made by a drill or is the hole a bit larger inside the finger than where it first starts? If it is larger on the inside then it is bug damage, if not I am at a loss. There is no reason that I can think of to drill a hole of this size into the side of the finger as this one is to mount a ring or anything else I can think of. If I were doing a restoration on this piece I would suggest to its owner (if he wanted this repaired) that the hole on the side that shows be evened up to remove the chipped edges. If this hole goes completely through the finger as I believe is does I would close the other end using something that could be easily removed latter like a piece of masking tape. Then fill the void about 3/4's of the way with a mixture of epoxy and black paint pigment stirring it around the inside with a toothpick or other appropriate item to insure the epoxy has a firm attachment to the entire inside surface of the hole. I would then carve a small piece of horn to create a tightly fitting plug with the grain and color matching as closely as possible to the rest of the hilt. Using the same epoxy pigment mixture fit this piece into the hilt using enough pressure to ensure as close to an invisible seam as possible. Clamp or tie the plug to maintain pressure until the epoxy dries. Regardless of what the adhesives instructions tell you let this to dry for a minimum of 48 hours. Once dry you can carve away the excess material to match the surrounding area and polish to match. Photo below of similar damage. Attached Images Last edited by Robert; 8th February 2019 at 11:17 PM.

8th February 2019, 03:46 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Been researching the web for reasons that might explain a ring on the finger, much less a ring on the first finger. So far, no luck yet.

8th February 2019, 11:23 PM	#4
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	Ring on the finger signifies marriage to the country. understand there's no divorce in Filipino culture, so in essence this signifies loyalty to death. notice it's on the right hand as well, which is the custom... so yeah, it should be on the ring finger

9th February 2019, 05:10 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Ron this is what Lorenz says also. Thanks for your confirmation. Robert, thanks. Great idea. However, I am not sure this is not a human made hole with a flat top. It is smaller inside and larger outside.

10th February 2019, 01:08 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Oh........ok I understand better. Well, then this changes things. I double checked and it is extremely hard to see, but I think you are right - the hole is larger on the inside, but then gets smaller and then larger again.