Two Atayal knives from Taiwan/Formosa

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by majacobson

Recently procured this knife even without knowing its complete story. From an estate of an anthropologist who was on Orchid Island in 1937 and attributed as Yami (Tao), but not similar to any knives that I have seen associated with that tribe.

One potential idea is that it is from Philippines but transported to Orchid Island. He was also in Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

What do you all think: Yami? Atayal? Batanes/Igorot? Naga?

Any help appreciated.

I'm not particularly knowledgeable, but interesting to ponder. The rattan bands on the handle handle would be equally at home on a Igorot or Atayal. The conical scabbard design is distinctive, some of the Formosa designs, under Pingpu, per Preliminary Classification of Indigenous Taiwanese Knives, have a similar shape. The ferule/guard is interesting but difficult to make out, is it painted? How thick is the spine? Perhaps a higher resolution photo would help.

[majacobson]

Originally Posted by JeffS

I'm not particularly knowledgeable, but interesting to ponder. The rattan bands on the handle handle would be equally at home on a Igorot or Atayal. The conical scabbard design is distinctive, some of the Formosa designs, under Pingpu, per Preliminary Classification of Indigenous Taiwanese Knives, have a similar shape. The ferule/guard is interesting but difficult to make out, is it painted? How thick is the spine? Perhaps a higher resolution photo would help.

Thanks. Here are some addiitonal images. No paint. Guard, end of scabbard, opening of scabbard, spine (2 views)

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by majacobson

Thanks. Here are some addiitonal images. No paint. Guard, end of scabbard, opening of scabbard, spine (2 views)

Almost has a Montagnard feel to ferule and guard, perhaps also the pattern weave on scabbard. I wouldn't rule out mainland SE Asia from the broad geographic range it could originate from...