Old Photo of Philippines "Bolo Maker"

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Dimasalang

Interesting... That is with out a doubt a Cavite sword. The Revolution started in Manila on August 23, 1896. August 30 is the official date Cavite joined the revolution ... The wavy blade is obviously of Ilocos or south Philippines, so it is very odd to see this coming from Cavite. But there was a famous Ilocano hero who achieved a high ranked status in Cavite during the revolution, his name is Artemio Ricarte (El Vibora - the Viper) ...

The "Viper" ... and a wavy (naga) blade ... makes a lot of sense!

Dimasalang, if all Phil. history professors recount the past like you do, then this school subject will not be boring at all

[ashoka]

!! that is what I call background knowledge..! thanks Dimasalang that is fascinating information. On the other side of the blade is carved 'Kalayaan'?

[Dimasalang]

Thanks everybody...glad I could be of some help.

Originally Posted by ashoka

!! that is what I call background knowledge..! thanks Dimasalang that is fascinating information. On the other side of the blade is carved 'Kalayaan'?

Sweet! Kalayaan is Tagalog for independence, liberty, and freedom.

This is why I love this place! Thank you all for sharing these images and your own personal pieces with us...much of them being some serious pieces of Philippine history. Where else on earth am I going to view prime examples and artifacts of my own people. Most of us wouldn't even know these fine blades existed!

[Battara]

This piece is a good evidence that the fist form is a Katipunan symbol (though depending upon the style and quality of the carving).

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Battara

This piece is a good evidence that the fist form is a Katipunan symbol (though depending upon the style and quality of the carving).

At Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, there's a Katipunan banner with this image -- two arms shown just from the elbow to the hands; one is holding a blade, and the other is holding by the hair a severed head of what looks a Caucasian (full beard, etc.); the two hands were depicted as a closed fist, especially the one holding the decapitated head by its hair. Thus perhaps (but am just speculating), the closed fist pommel design is related to this Katipunan imagery.

[Battara]

Yes I know the picture and found it in an old book on the PI. This is the reason I first thought that the fist was a sign of the Katipunan. Recently I found out that members would identify themselves to each other in the street with a fist to the chest.

[migueldiaz]

If you'll have the chance to see that pic again, can you please post it here? Thanks

[Dimasalang]

Originally Posted by migueldiaz

If you'll have the chance to see that pic again, can you please post it here? Thanks

I have this photo also, somewhere on one of my computers. Ill try and find it and post it, if Battara doesn't before me.