Luzon "Binangkoko"

ThePepperSkull · 28th February 2012, 07:13 PM

Recently won this on ebay. It was incorrectly listed as a persian sword. I believe it's from Luzon and a friend of mine who owns a similar piece says that in the visayas, it's categorized as a "binangkoko".

Most likely just refered to as an "Itak" or "bolo" around luzon, I was curious if it had a specific term locally. Heck, where were these made exactly? How old would this example be?

The hilt is horn and the fittings, according to the seller, are silver. One side is missing a silver panel.

here are the vendor's photos. Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

ThePepperSkull · 28th February 2012, 07:17 PM

As mentioned previously, a friend of mine owns another (and in my opinion a nicer and more intact) example. This one with brass or bronze fittings as opposed to silver:

carlos · 28th February 2012, 08:20 PM

Wow!!

congratulations, is a very beautiful piece, and I´m sure after cleaning sword you will be more happy! I just fall in love!!

Horn and silver, the perfect cmbination
thanks for the pictures
best regards
carlos

Sajen · 28th February 2012, 09:52 PM

Agree with Carlos, a beautiful itak and I am sure when you have received it that you will like it more as the one from your friend. The missing panel will be easily to replace. I am curious to see better pictures when you have received and cleaned it.

Regards,

Detlef

Lew · 28th February 2012, 10:19 PM

Detlef

It looks very similar to a ginuting

ThePepperSkull · 28th February 2012, 10:44 PM

^ As my friend explains, the term "binangkoko" is used around the negros area to differentiate the heavier and locally produced Ginunting and the Luzon blades of similar shape.

He says that the people he trains with (the Dekiti Tirsia Siradas camp) are adamant about the difference between a negros/visayan-made blade being called a ginunting only, and making a point to differentiate that between the lighter blades of similar shape made in Luzon which they call Binangkoko.

Of course, I have no knowledge of the luzon term for this may be. Maybe even they would call it a "ginunting" and not see the difference. I've asked a few of my relatives from my father's side of the family (ethnically they are tagalog) and they've never heard of the term "binangkoko". I have a friend who speaks bisaya and he's heard that term used before but doesn't remember which context, but at least we have that.

PS: Thank you all for the kind words. I don't have many Luzon pieces so i figure I may as well collect the nice ones when I can find them. Does anyone have an approximate date of manufacture on this?

Sajen · 29th February 2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lew

Detlef

It looks very similar to a ginuting

Lew, of course you are correct, it's a ginuting!

28th February 2012, 07:13 PM	#1
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Luzon "Binangkoko" Recently won this on ebay. It was incorrectly listed as a persian sword. I believe it's from Luzon and a friend of mine who owns a similar piece says that in the visayas, it's categorized as a "binangkoko". Most likely just refered to as an "Itak" or "bolo" around luzon, I was curious if it had a specific term locally. Heck, where were these made exactly? How old would this example be? The hilt is horn and the fittings, according to the seller, are silver. One side is missing a silver panel. here are the vendor's photos. Any info would be helpful. Thanks! Attached Images

28th February 2012, 07:17 PM	#2
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	As mentioned previously, a friend of mine owns another (and in my opinion a nicer and more intact) example. This one with brass or bronze fittings as opposed to silver: Attached Images

28th February 2012, 08:20 PM	#3
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 737	Wow!! congratulations, is a very beautiful piece, and I´m sure after cleaning sword you will be more happy! I just fall in love!! Horn and silver, the perfect cmbination thanks for the pictures best regards carlos

28th February 2012, 09:52 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Agree with Carlos, a beautiful itak and I am sure when you have received it that you will like it more as the one from your friend. The missing panel will be easily to replace. I am curious to see better pictures when you have received and cleaned it. Regards, Detlef

28th February 2012, 10:19 PM	#5
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Detlef It looks very similar to a ginuting

28th February 2012, 10:44 PM	#6
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	^ As my friend explains, the term "binangkoko" is used around the negros area to differentiate the heavier and locally produced Ginunting and the Luzon blades of similar shape. He says that the people he trains with (the Dekiti Tirsia Siradas camp) are adamant about the difference between a negros/visayan-made blade being called a ginunting only, and making a point to differentiate that between the lighter blades of similar shape made in Luzon which they call Binangkoko. Of course, I have no knowledge of the luzon term for this may be. Maybe even they would call it a "ginunting" and not see the difference. I've asked a few of my relatives from my father's side of the family (ethnically they are tagalog) and they've never heard of the term "binangkoko". I have a friend who speaks bisaya and he's heard that term used before but doesn't remember which context, but at least we have that. PS: Thank you all for the kind words. I don't have many Luzon pieces so i figure I may as well collect the nice ones when I can find them. Does anyone have an approximate date of manufacture on this?