Isneg Axe
The Isneg (aka Isnag/Yapayao/Apayao) were in the past, considered as one of the most fierce groups living in the Northern Luzon Cordillera of the Philippines. This is manifested in the large number of words (100+) in their vocabulary which relate to weaponry and bladed tools. These include the men's axe, which is called "aliwa." While useful in battle, the aliwa found its many uses as a general purpose cutting tool, especially in agriculture.
I have identified three general forms of Isneg aliwa. The one in the left of the photograph is called "Binarawad." The one at the middle is called "Badan" while the one at the right is a "Badon."
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