Lumad blade

xasterix · 26th April 2021, 01:08 PM

Here's an old Lumad blade called "purok bolo" in modern times. I've no idea of the age, but it's gotta be older than 1970s (date of acquisition by previous owner). It's a bit different from the usual purok bolo because of three things. First, it's more aggressive than most purok bolo I've held; the usual ones seem fit for light utility work only. This one seems to have combat potential. Second, it's hefty, the spine is thicker, and there are X marks on it (not assuming that they're kills, simply that they're marked). Third, there's an almost obsessive attempt at securing the blade to the hilt- there are nails driven where the blade meets the hilt, and the pommel is pinned.

All the Lumad tribes have a version of the purok bolo; I'm not yet sure which tribe this iteration belongs to.

Battara · 28th April 2021, 04:06 AM

It looks Bagobo to me, especially the design of the bead work.

Ian · 28th April 2021, 04:19 AM

I agree with Battara. The scabbard looks Bagobo to me too. However, this is a very common working knife among various Lumad groups, as xasterix has mentioned, and bead work like this is not unique to the Bagobo. There is more information here.

Sajen · 2nd May 2021, 10:51 AM

Thank you for sharing Xas, an utilty knife I hope to add to my collection one day.

Regards,
Detlef

26th April 2021, 01:08 PM	#1
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 667	Lumad blade Here's an old Lumad blade called "purok bolo" in modern times. I've no idea of the age, but it's gotta be older than 1970s (date of acquisition by previous owner). It's a bit different from the usual purok bolo because of three things. First, it's more aggressive than most purok bolo I've held; the usual ones seem fit for light utility work only. This one seems to have combat potential. Second, it's hefty, the spine is thicker, and there are X marks on it (not assuming that they're kills, simply that they're marked). Third, there's an almost obsessive attempt at securing the blade to the hilt- there are nails driven where the blade meets the hilt, and the pommel is pinned. All the Lumad tribes have a version of the purok bolo; I'm not yet sure which tribe this iteration belongs to. Attached Images

28th April 2021, 04:06 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,257	It looks Bagobo to me, especially the design of the bead work.

28th April 2021, 04:19 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	I agree with Battara. The scabbard looks Bagobo to me too. However, this is a very common working knife among various Lumad groups, as xasterix has mentioned, and bead work like this is not unique to the Bagobo. There is more information here.

2nd May 2021, 10:51 AM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,126	Thank you for sharing Xas, an utilty knife I hope to add to my collection one day. Regards, Detlef