Two Atayal knives from Taiwan/Formosa

[majacobson]

Originally Posted by JeffS

I'm not particularly knowledgeable, but interesting to ponder. The rattan bands on the handle handle would be equally at home on a Igorot or Atayal. The conical scabbard design is distinctive, some of the Formosa designs, under Pingpu, per Preliminary Classification of Indigenous Taiwanese Knives, have a similar shape. The ferule/guard is interesting but difficult to make out, is it painted? How thick is the spine? Perhaps a higher resolution photo would help.

Thanks. Here are some addiitonal images. No paint. Guard, end of scabbard, opening of scabbard, spine (2 views)

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by majacobson

Thanks. Here are some addiitonal images. No paint. Guard, end of scabbard, opening of scabbard, spine (2 views)

Almost has a Montagnard feel to ferule and guard, perhaps also the pattern weave on scabbard. I wouldn't rule out mainland SE Asia from the broad geographic range it could originate from...