Philippine Buyo Knife, Piso Raut, or Something Else?

Interested Party · 8th November 2022, 03:30 PM

Interesting configuration. It looks to me like it was designed to get the hand using it out of the way. Skinner? Or meant to slice something on a table or the ground?

Is that a makara on the pommel?

The band below the know work reminds me of a motif we have discussed on the keris Janggelan style hilt as a mask or vegetal/insect/arachnid feature.

Below the makara(?) head is a detail that reminds me of the tree of life. On the same band there is a double spiral almost modified into a swastika. Here is a page from Van der Hoop that discusses the double spiral's spread through the archipelago.

The final bit on the pommel I can't help but notice has eight petals and a bud on top. Is this a feature derived from a lotus? I am probably reaching a bit with these interpretations, but it is what I see on this interesting knife. For some reason the decoration on the whole has the feel of water.

Rick · 12th November 2022, 01:51 AM

I think it's a Buyo knife from the size of it.
Form follows function, decoration would be regional for a tool such as this one.
Dyak design elements, but with other (?) elements also.

8th November 2022, 03:30 PM	#1
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 492	Interesting configuration. It looks to me like it was designed to get the hand using it out of the way. Skinner? Or meant to slice something on a table or the ground? Is that a makara on the pommel? The band below the know work reminds me of a motif we have discussed on the keris Janggelan style hilt as a mask or vegetal/insect/arachnid feature. Below the makara(?) head is a detail that reminds me of the tree of life. On the same band there is a double spiral almost modified into a swastika. Here is a page from Van der Hoop that discusses the double spiral's spread through the archipelago. The final bit on the pommel I can't help but notice has eight petals and a bud on top. Is this a feature derived from a lotus? I am probably reaching a bit with these interpretations, but it is what I see on this interesting knife. For some reason the decoration on the whole has the feel of water. Attached Images Last edited by Interested Party; 8th November 2022 at 04:17 PM. Reason: after a rethink

12th November 2022, 01:51 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	I think it's a Buyo knife from the size of it. Form follows function, decoration would be regional for a tool such as this one. Dyak design elements, but with other (?) elements also.