Bagobo, Blaan ? Your expertise please

Marbel · 17th April 2017, 07:10 PM

Thanks for your thoughts and knowledge Ian.

This piece came from an East Coast collector who found it on EBay several years ago. I'm afraid that's as far back as the provenance goes.

I have many Tboli blades and as you know, they are quite distinctive in their design (I'm referring specifically to the hilts and their patterns). My first thought on this was Bagobo but it didn't fit perfectly into that group either. As you noted, the high frequency of trading between these groups and the reuse of hilts, blades and scabbards creates quite a bit of grey area with these pieces at times.

I'm still scratching my head about the pattern and shape at the end of the hilt. It's quite unique and almost matches pieces where that area would have been done in wood. It's a very nice piece, beautifully worn and substantial in weight. Glad to have it.

Would love to have more comments if available. Thanks again.

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17th April 2017, 07:10 PM	#6
Marbel Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 68	Thanks for your thoughts and knowledge Ian. This piece came from an East Coast collector who found it on EBay several years ago. I'm afraid that's as far back as the provenance goes. I have many Tboli blades and as you know, they are quite distinctive in their design (I'm referring specifically to the hilts and their patterns). My first thought on this was Bagobo but it didn't fit perfectly into that group either. As you noted, the high frequency of trading between these groups and the reuse of hilts, blades and scabbards creates quite a bit of grey area with these pieces at times. I'm still scratching my head about the pattern and shape at the end of the hilt. It's quite unique and almost matches pieces where that area would have been done in wood. It's a very nice piece, beautifully worn and substantial in weight. Glad to have it. Would love to have more comments if available. Thanks again.