Instant Philippine Spear Collection

drac2k · 28th October 2022, 09:25 PM

I just acquired these 4 spears; I believe one of them to be Moro and the other 3 to be Igorot. One is a Kay-Yan & the other is a Fang-Kao, however, I am uncertain about the one with an anthropomorphic body.
These have been discussed here before without any concise conclusions other than there are male & female versions. They have been labeled anything from Tourist pieces(even though their rarity as mentioned before might dispel that notion), to pieces to ward off evil spirits. Could this spear be Formosan? I might add that the tip is very sharp.
Maybe someone has some additional information at this time?

Battara · 29th October 2022, 02:30 AM

I would say all are from the Philippines. The figural one I have seen before and is also Igorot, but not sure from what tribe. I believe it represents an ancestor.

All very nice and in great pristine condition. Congratulations!

Would you show close ups of the Moro one, including the very bottom of the shaft?

drac2k · 29th October 2022, 07:33 PM

As per your request. I am curious about your comments on the end of the spear.

kronckew · 29th October 2022, 08:00 PM

it's a counterbalance weight, lead or possibly brass, maybe steel.
Looks like a chunk is broken off one side of it.

drac2k · 29th October 2022, 10:23 PM

Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum. I first encountered this end cap some years ago and I then, thought that somebody placed the endcap of a walking cane on the spear, however, this is the 3rd or 4th example that I have seen and I'm wondering if this is a coincidence or was a protective cap added to these spears by their makers. That is why I was curious as to Battera's request to see both ends of the spear.

kino · 30th October 2022, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum.

Examine it closely, it could be a Carabao horn.

28th October 2022, 09:25 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Instant Philippine Spear Collection I just acquired these 4 spears; I believe one of them to be Moro and the other 3 to be Igorot. One is a Kay-Yan & the other is a Fang-Kao, however, I am uncertain about the one with an anthropomorphic body. These have been discussed here before without any concise conclusions other than there are male & female versions. They have been labeled anything from Tourist pieces(even though their rarity as mentioned before might dispel that notion), to pieces to ward off evil spirits. Could this spear be Formosan? I might add that the tip is very sharp. Maybe someone has some additional information at this time? Attached Images

29th October 2022, 07:33 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	As per your request. I am curious about your comments on the end of the spear. Attached Images

29th October 2022, 02:30 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	I would say all are from the Philippines. The figural one I have seen before and is also Igorot, but not sure from what tribe. I believe it represents an ancestor. All very nice and in great pristine condition. Congratulations! Would you show close ups of the Moro one, including the very bottom of the shaft?

29th October 2022, 08:00 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,182	it's a counterbalance weight, lead or possibly brass, maybe steel. Looks like a chunk is broken off one side of it.

29th October 2022, 10:23 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Good guess, but it is a hard resin or gum. I first encountered this end cap some years ago and I then, thought that somebody placed the endcap of a walking cane on the spear, however, this is the 3rd or 4th example that I have seen and I'm wondering if this is a coincidence or was a protective cap added to these spears by their makers. That is why I was curious as to Battera's request to see both ends of the spear.