Bagobo (?) man's working knife

Ian · 6th December 2024, 03:03 PM

This one will be with me in a couple of weeks. From the auction pictures shown below, it appears to me to be a fairly old example of a Bagobo man's working knife. It has been said that most Bagobo men carry a working knife, but relatively few of the older style knives seem to be around today. In the last 50+ years it seems that Bagobo men have adopted a larger version of the more familiar "women's working knife."

I believe the one shown in the attached pics is an example of an older style of men's working knife. I attribute it to the Bagobo based on the hilt style and especially the pommel which is carved in a manner reminiscent of older Bagobo swords. Overall length 48 cm (about 19 in.)

I would be interested to hear especially from our Filipino colleagues as to what they think of this knife. As always, all thoughts and comments would be much appreciated.

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Sajen · 6th December 2024, 03:34 PM

Hi Ian,

I've noticed it also, it's a very nice knife and I agree with your Bagobo attribution. Congrats, a very nice one!

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 6th December 2024, 08:33 PM

Thanks Detlef.

JeffS · 7th December 2024, 04:05 AM

Reminds me of these that I've heard called purok bolo.

Battara · 7th December 2024, 04:07 AM

Yup Bagobo and early

Ian · 7th December 2024, 02:37 PM

Hello Jeff,

It is indeed a purok bolo! I have been looking for an old reference I had on these knives and could not find it. That's a nice example that you show. I have another just like it in a similar sheath. The blade form and hilt are very similar to the example I show above.

Ian.

Ian · 25th February 2025, 12:42 AM

Going through some old files and found a nice picture of a Bagobo forge. The Bagobo ethnicity is established by the pants worn by some of the workers, which show the typical Bagobo beadwork much favored by Bagobo men.

The forge resembles most other ethnic groups in the Philippines, with a relatively small hearth and double-piston bellows powered by the guy sitting on top them.

Note the variety of blades being produced, several of which resemble the man's working knife shown above. Most of the swords are forward-weighted, fat-belly bolos.
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6th December 2024, 03:03 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Bagobo (?) man's working knife This one will be with me in a couple of weeks. From the auction pictures shown below, it appears to me to be a fairly old example of a Bagobo man's working knife. It has been said that most Bagobo men carry a working knife, but relatively few of the older style knives seem to be around today. In the last 50+ years it seems that Bagobo men have adopted a larger version of the more familiar "women's working knife." I believe the one shown in the attached pics is an example of an older style of men's working knife. I attribute it to the Bagobo based on the hilt style and especially the pommel which is carved in a manner reminiscent of older Bagobo swords. Overall length 48 cm (about 19 in.) I would be interested to hear especially from our Filipino colleagues as to what they think of this knife. As always, all thoughts and comments would be much appreciated. . Attached Images

7th December 2024, 04:05 AM	#4
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 401	Reminds me of these that I've heard called purok bolo. Attached Images

7th December 2024, 02:37 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Hello Jeff, It is indeed a purok bolo! I have been looking for an old reference I had on these knives and could not find it. That's a nice example that you show. I have another just like it in a similar sheath. The blade form and hilt are very similar to the example I show above. Ian. Last edited by Ian; 19th December 2024 at 05:49 PM.

6th December 2024, 03:34 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,125	Hi Ian, I've noticed it also, it's a very nice knife and I agree with your Bagobo attribution. Congrats, a very nice one! Regards, Detlef

6th December 2024, 08:33 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Thanks Detlef.

7th December 2024, 04:07 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,257	Yup Bagobo and early

25th February 2025, 12:42 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Going through some old files and found a nice picture of a Bagobo forge. The Bagobo ethnicity is established by the pants worn by some of the workers, which show the typical Bagobo beadwork much favored by Bagobo men. The forge resembles most other ethnic groups in the Philippines, with a relatively small hearth and double-piston bellows powered by the guy sitting on top them. Note the variety of blades being produced, several of which resemble the man's working knife shown above. Most of the swords are forward-weighted, fat-belly bolos. .