Origin of the Kalinga Axe

migueldiaz · 8th April 2009, 04:54 AM

Reviewing this portion of Cole's 1922 book on the Tinguians:

So far as it known, these [Tinguians, Igorots, & Apayaos] are the only tribes in the Philippines which make use of a head-axe, and it is believed that no similar weapon is found in the Malayan Islands. However, blades of striking resemblance do occur among the Naga of Assam [10].

xxx

[10] Egerton, Handbook of Indian Arms (Wm. Allen and Co., London, 1880), p. 84; Shakespear, History of Upper Assam, Burma and Northeastern Frontier (MacMillan, London, 1914), p. 197, illustration.

I wanted to find out what a Naga-Assam [headhunter's] axe looks like. Photo 1 and photo 2 below are both from Oriental Arms.

There appears to be some similarity all right, but not with the traditional crescent-shaped form of the northern Luzon head-axe.

As to the probable link between the two cultures, it appears to be there indeed. I found this pertinent excerpt, from a recent research work:

Colonel L.W. Shakespear suggests that the Naga fancy for marine shells may point to a bygone home on the sea (History of Upper Assam, p.197). In any case, the Nagas have very strong cultural affinities with the natives of the Asiatic Islands, notably Borneo, and the Philippine Islands, and perhaps physical affinities with some of them (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, vol. xliv, p.57)”.

What's the conclusion? Well so far, it still points to the theory that the northern Luzon head axe is a unique and endemic weapon-tool, with no other parallels ... at least so far

Nonoy Tan · 8th April 2009, 04:26 PM

I agree. The headaxe of Northern Luzon is an endemic development.

The tribes of Northeast India and Northern Luzon have remarkably similar ecologies and material culture. On the other hand, the social organizations are very different. Also, I also doubt that the headaxe of Northern Luzon and the axe of Northeastern India had come from a common origin, because there is yet no indicative proof. This is not to say, however that both cultures had not adapted certain cultural traits from a common influence or source (directly or indirectly). Talismanic symbol in blades of India is also found in some blades of Northern Luzon (Ilongot and Agta), and Southern Philippines (so called "moro" blades).

Meanwhile, here is a photo of a headaxe with a centipede design – in relation to the thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6818

8th April 2009, 04:54 AM	#1
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	Reviewing this portion of Cole's 1922 book on the Tinguians: So far as it known, these [Tinguians, Igorots, & Apayaos] are the only tribes in the Philippines which make use of a head-axe, and it is believed that no similar weapon is found in the Malayan Islands. However, blades of striking resemblance do occur among the Naga of Assam [10]. xxx [10] Egerton, Handbook of Indian Arms (Wm. Allen and Co., London, 1880), p. 84; Shakespear, History of Upper Assam, Burma and Northeastern Frontier (MacMillan, London, 1914), p. 197, illustration. I wanted to find out what a Naga-Assam [headhunter's] axe looks like. Photo 1 and photo 2 below are both from Oriental Arms. There appears to be some similarity all right, but not with the traditional crescent-shaped form of the northern Luzon head-axe. As to the probable link between the two cultures, it appears to be there indeed. I found this pertinent excerpt, from a recent research work: Colonel L.W. Shakespear suggests that the Naga fancy for marine shells may point to a bygone home on the sea (History of Upper Assam, p.197). In any case, the Nagas have very strong cultural affinities with the natives of the Asiatic Islands, notably Borneo, and the Philippine Islands, and perhaps physical affinities with some of them (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, vol. xliv, p.57)”. What's the conclusion? Well so far, it still points to the theory that the northern Luzon head axe is a unique and endemic weapon-tool, with no other parallels ... at least so far Attached Images

8th April 2009, 04:26 PM	#2
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	I agree. The headaxe of Northern Luzon is an endemic development. The tribes of Northeast India and Northern Luzon have remarkably similar ecologies and material culture. On the other hand, the social organizations are very different. Also, I also doubt that the headaxe of Northern Luzon and the axe of Northeastern India had come from a common origin, because there is yet no indicative proof. This is not to say, however that both cultures had not adapted certain cultural traits from a common influence or source (directly or indirectly). Talismanic symbol in blades of India is also found in some blades of Northern Luzon (Ilongot and Agta), and Southern Philippines (so called "moro" blades). Meanwhile, here is a photo of a headaxe with a centipede design – in relation to the thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6818 Attached Images