I'd Like to Learn More About This Interesting Kalinga Axe

CharlesS · 19th May 2016, 04:44 PM

I generally don't collect items outside of the Muslim portions of the Philippines, but this Kalinga axe was so strangely elegant in its own right that I could not resist. I know very little about the Kalinga other than that they were headhunters and this was supposedly their "head axe", but like so many tribal people, I believe this evolved from a tool, or at least had a dual purpose, with the elongated spike stuck in the ground to create an upright and fixed cutting edge.

This one is 23.5in. in length with an arch-topped heavy axe head of 15.5in. suppported by an 8in. steel ferrule. The remainder of the haft is wood decorated with hammered brass rings and pierced bands and vertical strips. The haft terminates with a silver alloy butt that may be cast.

I don't see how this one could be a fighting axe as it has no balance at all past the bottom of the steel ferrule. It feels clumsy and fragile if held by any wooden portion. I am supposing all the "bling" made this example more of a status or ceremonial piece?

I'd love to learn more about these, and an estimation of the age of this one. I have cleaned up the brass and silver to accentuate their details.

CharlesS · 19th May 2016, 04:57 PM

I found this period photo of a Apayao warrior with a very similar axe in a previous thread.

Robert · 19th May 2016, 05:15 PM

Hello Charles, I can only say that you would find it hard to acquire a nicer example of a Kalinga axe than the one you show here. The photo you posted below of the Apayao Warrior I believe shows an axe most would refer to as more of a Bontoc style. There is a wonderful thread on the Kalinga axe located here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...Origin+Kalinga Actually I believe a link to this thread should be placed in the "Classic Threads" Sticky. I hope that this will be of some help to you.

Best,
Robert

P.S. If you ever decide you are tired of looking at this piece please place my name on the top of the "I want it" list.

Marcus · 19th May 2016, 06:36 PM

Robert is right, the thread he links to is a great discussion. I enjoyed it as I was reflecting on this recent acquisition from Oriental Arms.

Oliver Pinchot · 19th May 2016, 07:58 PM

Beautiful acquisition, Charles. Nicest of my experience.

Robert · 20th May 2016, 09:23 AM

Marcus, thank you for posting photos another fine example of what IMHO I believe to be a later (though very nice example) of a kalinga axe for comparison to the one Charles has been so fortunate to acquired. I would have felt very fortunate indeed if I were to have been able to add either of these pieces to my own collection. My congratulations to you both on your good fortune.

Best,
Robert

19th May 2016, 04:44 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	I'd Like to Learn More About This Interesting Kalinga Axe I generally don't collect items outside of the Muslim portions of the Philippines, but this Kalinga axe was so strangely elegant in its own right that I could not resist. I know very little about the Kalinga other than that they were headhunters and this was supposedly their "head axe", but like so many tribal people, I believe this evolved from a tool, or at least had a dual purpose, with the elongated spike stuck in the ground to create an upright and fixed cutting edge. This one is 23.5in. in length with an arch-topped heavy axe head of 15.5in. suppported by an 8in. steel ferrule. The remainder of the haft is wood decorated with hammered brass rings and pierced bands and vertical strips. The haft terminates with a silver alloy butt that may be cast. I don't see how this one could be a fighting axe as it has no balance at all past the bottom of the steel ferrule. It feels clumsy and fragile if held by any wooden portion. I am supposing all the "bling" made this example more of a status or ceremonial piece? I'd love to learn more about these, and an estimation of the age of this one. I have cleaned up the brass and silver to accentuate their details. Attached Images

19th May 2016, 04:57 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	I found this period photo of a Apayao warrior with a very similar axe in a previous thread. Attached Images

19th May 2016, 05:15 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Charles, I can only say that you would find it hard to acquire a nicer example of a Kalinga axe than the one you show here. The photo you posted below of the Apayao Warrior I believe shows an axe most would refer to as more of a Bontoc style. There is a wonderful thread on the Kalinga axe located here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...Origin+Kalinga Actually I believe a link to this thread should be placed in the "Classic Threads" Sticky. I hope that this will be of some help to you. Best, Robert P.S. If you ever decide you are tired of looking at this piece please place my name on the top of the "I want it" list. Last edited by Robert; 19th May 2016 at 05:35 PM.

19th May 2016, 06:36 PM	#4
Marcus Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 420	Here is mine Robert is right, the thread he links to is a great discussion. I enjoyed it as I was reflecting on this recent acquisition from Oriental Arms. Attached Images

19th May 2016, 07:58 PM	#5
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 456	Beautiful acquisition, Charles. Nicest of my experience.

20th May 2016, 09:23 AM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Marcus, thank you for posting photos another fine example of what IMHO I believe to be a later (though very nice example) of a kalinga axe for comparison to the one Charles has been so fortunate to acquired. I would have felt very fortunate indeed if I were to have been able to add either of these pieces to my own collection. My congratulations to you both on your good fortune. Best, Robert