Origin?

kino · 14th January 2024, 09:08 PM

Any ideas as to where this blade and scabbard originated from?
Does the scabbard motif give any clues?
Thanks.

Ian · 15th January 2024, 02:56 AM

Kino,

As a guess I think it could be from Zamboanga and Chavacano in origin. I had a Chavacano bolo in a similar scabbard, but it also had a drilled belt hanger (which yours does not have). The carving at the throat is vaguely Sulu but not quite right, as noted on other pieces from Zamboanga. Perhaps Yakan???

That looks a fearsome blade. Is it chisel-ground?

Ian.

kino · 15th January 2024, 05:06 AM

Thanks Ian, the blade is V ground.
I’ve never seen this blade profile from Mindanao / Sulu but the scabbards Naga carving I thought as being Moro. It’s a puzzle to me. I wish it came with the hilt.

Ian · 15th January 2024, 12:03 PM

There is a very similarly shaped blade with a Visayan hilt here. Also take a look at this thread and Zamboanga's pictures of a Sulu market vendor. I'm wondering if what you have is a bangkung intended for agricultural use (splitting coconuts, etc.).

Gavin Nugent · 15th January 2024, 12:53 PM

This post may also offer a point to work out from towards the other regions who use similar scabbards.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...95&postcount=7

kino · 16th January 2024, 07:18 PM

Thanks Ian & Gavin.
I was also thinking agricultural use Ian.
The shapes and profiles are close but still inconclusive to me.

14th January 2024, 09:08 PM	#1
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	Origin? Any ideas as to where this blade and scabbard originated from? Does the scabbard motif give any clues? Thanks. Attached Images

15th January 2024, 02:56 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,515	Kino, As a guess I think it could be from Zamboanga and Chavacano in origin. I had a Chavacano bolo in a similar scabbard, but it also had a drilled belt hanger (which yours does not have). The carving at the throat is vaguely Sulu but not quite right, as noted on other pieces from Zamboanga. Perhaps Yakan??? That looks a fearsome blade. Is it chisel-ground? Ian. Last edited by Ian; 15th January 2024 at 12:04 PM.

15th January 2024, 12:03 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,515	There is a very similarly shaped blade with a Visayan hilt here. Also take a look at this thread and Zamboanga's pictures of a Sulu market vendor. I'm wondering if what you have is a bangkung intended for agricultural use (splitting coconuts, etc.). Last edited by Ian; 15th January 2024 at 01:57 PM.

15th January 2024, 05:06 AM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	Thanks Ian, the blade is V ground. I’ve never seen this blade profile from Mindanao / Sulu but the scabbards Naga carving I thought as being Moro. It’s a puzzle to me. I wish it came with the hilt.

15th January 2024, 12:53 PM	#5
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	This post may also offer a point to work out from towards the other regions who use similar scabbards. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...95&postcount=7

16th January 2024, 07:18 PM	#6
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	Thanks Ian & Gavin. I was also thinking agricultural use Ian. The shapes and profiles are close but still inconclusive to me.