Instant Philippine Spear Collection

drac2k · 28th October 2022, 08:25 PM

I just acquired these 4 spears; I believe one of them to be Moro and the other 3 to be Igorot. One is a Kay-Yan & the other is a Fang-Kao, however, I am uncertain about the one with an anthropomorphic body.
These have been discussed here before without any concise conclusions other than there are male & female versions. They have been labeled anything from Tourist pieces(even though their rarity as mentioned before might dispel that notion), to pieces to ward off evil spirits. Could this spear be Formosan? I might add that the tip is very sharp.
Maybe someone has some additional information at this time?

Battara · 29th October 2022, 01:30 AM

I would say all are from the Philippines. The figural one I have seen before and is also Igorot, but not sure from what tribe. I believe it represents an ancestor.

All very nice and in great pristine condition. Congratulations!

Would you show close ups of the Moro one, including the very bottom of the shaft?

drac2k · 29th October 2022, 06:33 PM

As per your request. I am curious about your comments on the end of the spear.

kronckew · 29th October 2022, 07:00 PM

it's a counterbalance weight, lead or possibly brass, maybe steel.
Looks like a chunk is broken off one side of it.

drac2k · 29th October 2022, 09:23 PM

Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum. I first encountered this end cap some years ago and I then, thought that somebody placed the endcap of a walking cane on the spear, however, this is the 3rd or 4th example that I have seen and I'm wondering if this is a coincidence or was a protective cap added to these spears by their makers. That is why I was curious as to Battera's request to see both ends of the spear.

kino · 29th October 2022, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum.

Examine it closely, it could be a Carabao horn.

Battara · 30th October 2022, 12:36 AM

I think Kino is right - my guess - carabao horn, which was not unusual for these pieces.

Thank you for posting these pics. Maybe in a couple of years I will make it to see you at Baltimore again.

drac2k · 30th October 2022, 02:31 AM

I think you guys are right; what purpose do you think they served other than decorative?
It would be great to see you there; I'm still trying to get Jim to come as well!

kai · 30th October 2022, 04:31 PM

Good examples, David!

Quote:

what purpose do you think they served other than decorative?

Function would be to protect the wooden end from mechanical damage as well as from excessive moisture when placed onto the ground.

Horn is tough and can be readily replaced when worn out.

The Baltimore show would be great to visit sometime...

Regards,
Kai

drac2k · 30th October 2022, 09:16 PM

The more the merrier!

Battara · 1st November 2022, 05:47 PM

Kai is right in his assessment. Horn is tough stuff. Sometimes on higher ranked pieces you might find metal like brass or steel/iron rapping the bottom.

28th October 2022, 08:25 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Instant Philippine Spear Collection I just acquired these 4 spears; I believe one of them to be Moro and the other 3 to be Igorot. One is a Kay-Yan & the other is a Fang-Kao, however, I am uncertain about the one with an anthropomorphic body. These have been discussed here before without any concise conclusions other than there are male & female versions. They have been labeled anything from Tourist pieces(even though their rarity as mentioned before might dispel that notion), to pieces to ward off evil spirits. Could this spear be Formosan? I might add that the tip is very sharp. Maybe someone has some additional information at this time? Attached Images

29th October 2022, 06:33 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	As per your request. I am curious about your comments on the end of the spear. Attached Images

29th October 2022, 01:30 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	I would say all are from the Philippines. The figural one I have seen before and is also Igorot, but not sure from what tribe. I believe it represents an ancestor. All very nice and in great pristine condition. Congratulations! Would you show close ups of the Moro one, including the very bottom of the shaft?

29th October 2022, 07:00 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	it's a counterbalance weight, lead or possibly brass, maybe steel. Looks like a chunk is broken off one side of it.

29th October 2022, 09:23 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum. I first encountered this end cap some years ago and I then, thought that somebody placed the endcap of a walking cane on the spear, however, this is the 3rd or 4th example that I have seen and I'm wondering if this is a coincidence or was a protective cap added to these spears by their makers. That is why I was curious as to Battera's request to see both ends of the spear.

30th October 2022, 12:36 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	I think Kino is right - my guess - carabao horn, which was not unusual for these pieces. Thank you for posting these pics. Maybe in a couple of years I will make it to see you at Baltimore again.

30th October 2022, 02:31 AM	#8
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	I think you guys are right; what purpose do you think they served other than decorative? It would be great to see you there; I'm still trying to get Jim to come as well!

30th October 2022, 09:16 PM	#10
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,174	The more the merrier!

1st November 2022, 05:47 PM	#11
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Kai is right in his assessment. Horn is tough stuff. Sometimes on higher ranked pieces you might find metal like brass or steel/iron rapping the bottom.