Luzon Spears

Nonoy Tan · 29th October 2007, 03:15 AM

"Male" spear, thickness of blade at the median = 7.98mm, height of the man = 112.0mm

"Female" spear, thickness of blade at the median = 7.39mm, height of the woman = 101.0mm

The anthropomorphic figures are metal and appear to have been made through casting (from moulds) or though tedious hammering/filing. Because I do not see visible signs of hammering/filing, I suspect casting, which has been practiced in Northern Luzon for ages (e.g. manufacture of brass pipes for smoking). The bended arms may have been made separately (i.e. using a separate mould) and then connected to the bodies. Either way, it appears that a lot of work was involved to create them. That effort would have been economically viable for the blacksmith if (a) the owner was wealthy enough to pay for it, or (b) the blacksmith can mass-produce the item for the tourist trade.

My research reveal that ... in the past, a wealthy male of Northern Luzon would typically have several types/designs of spears in his possession - some for hunting, defense or battle, ceremonial (i.e. warding off evil spirits), etc. Intricately made spears (or other bladed weapons such as axes) were also made to display social status.

Are these spears representative of the desciption above or are they tourist stuff? If somebody in the forum has acquired a similar item or has seen some, then that can provide clues. In my last two visits to the Luzon Cordillera this year, I have not found such items being sold in the souvenir shops or in stores selling fake antiques. That is why I find this pair of spears very interesting.

In Ifugao, this type of spear is called "Balabog", "Balbog" or "Palbog" - probably an old word for the "Falfeg". The "F", "B" and "P" are sometimes interchanged between groups of peoples in the Northern Luzon.

By the way, here is a photo of another spear with an anthropomorphic figure (siamese). This one shows signs of hammering. It is less intricate and less controversial.

[IMG]

29th October 2007, 03:15 AM	#1
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Tourist pieces? "Male" spear, thickness of blade at the median = 7.98mm, height of the man = 112.0mm "Female" spear, thickness of blade at the median = 7.39mm, height of the woman = 101.0mm The anthropomorphic figures are metal and appear to have been made through casting (from moulds) or though tedious hammering/filing. Because I do not see visible signs of hammering/filing, I suspect casting, which has been practiced in Northern Luzon for ages (e.g. manufacture of brass pipes for smoking). The bended arms may have been made separately (i.e. using a separate mould) and then connected to the bodies. Either way, it appears that a lot of work was involved to create them. That effort would have been economically viable for the blacksmith if (a) the owner was wealthy enough to pay for it, or (b) the blacksmith can mass-produce the item for the tourist trade. My research reveal that ... in the past, a wealthy male of Northern Luzon would typically have several types/designs of spears in his possession - some for hunting, defense or battle, ceremonial (i.e. warding off evil spirits), etc. Intricately made spears (or other bladed weapons such as axes) were also made to display social status. Are these spears representative of the desciption above or are they tourist stuff? If somebody in the forum has acquired a similar item or has seen some, then that can provide clues. In my last two visits to the Luzon Cordillera this year, I have not found such items being sold in the souvenir shops or in stores selling fake antiques. That is why I find this pair of spears very interesting. In Ifugao, this type of spear is called "Balabog", "Balbog" or "Palbog" - probably an old word for the "Falfeg". The "F", "B" and "P" are sometimes interchanged between groups of peoples in the Northern Luzon. By the way, here is a photo of another spear with an anthropomorphic figure (siamese). This one shows signs of hammering. It is less intricate and less controversial. [IMG] Attached Images