Beautiful sword from Philippines

migueldiaz · 23rd October 2010, 03:32 AM

thanks, vandoo!

about the fist pommel, in this thread i mentioned that:

"At Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, there's a Katipunan banner with this image -- two arms shown just from the elbow to the hands; one is holding a blade, and the other is holding by the hair a severed head of what looks a Caucasian (full beard, etc.); the two hands were depicted as a closed fist, especially the one holding the decapitated head by its hair. Thus perhaps (but am just speculating), the closed fist pommel design is related to this Katipunan imagery."

now one of the pics shows human(?) hair being grasped by the fist. if the hair was part of the original sword, then it all adds up.

the deeper significance is that in the philippines' precolonial days, human hair is sometimes used to decorate a sword (kampilan), shield, etc.

and we all know that the 19th century revolutionary katipunan army was also a movement to go back and remember the precolonial ways of filipinos.

it would surely be great to see more examples of the katipunan fist pommel with human hair in its grasp.

David · 23rd October 2010, 03:44 AM

Looks a bit thick and coarse for human hair. Probably horse or goat.

Robert · 23rd October 2010, 05:22 AM

I haven't posted in a while but after seeing all of these beautiful pieces it is hard not too. While all of these are absolutely stunning the one with the light colored carabao horn hilt is indescribable. I have found that trying to type while wiping the drool off of the keyboard is quite difficult. Thank you all for sharing these magnificent pieces.

Robert

migueldiaz · 23rd October 2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Looks a bit thick and coarse for human hair. Probably horse or goat.

thanks, david. yes upon closer examination, it does look more like it. the symbolism perhaps remains just the same. regards.

migueldiaz · 23rd October 2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

I haven't posted in a while but after seeing all of these beautiful pieces it is hard not too. While all of these are absolutely stunning the one with the light colored carabao horn hilt is indescribable. I have found that trying to type while wiping the drool off of the keyboard is quite difficult. Thank you all for sharing these magnificent pieces. - Robert

hello, robert. the light brown horn hilt is surely nice. coming from the rare albino carabao, such material is truly precious. regards.

VANDOO · 26th October 2010, 03:31 AM

IN THE LAST TWO BOLOS PICTURED THERE APPEARS TO BE A LETTER C ON THE BLADES PERHAPS THIS WAS THE MAKERS MARK? SURELY A RECORD OF THIS COMAPNY EXHISTS SOMEWHERE AS ONLY THE WEALTHY OR IMPORTANT PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE ONE MADE.

23rd October 2010, 03:32 AM	#1
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	thanks, vandoo! about the fist pommel, in this thread i mentioned that: "At Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, there's a Katipunan banner with this image -- two arms shown just from the elbow to the hands; one is holding a blade, and the other is holding by the hair a severed head of what looks a Caucasian (full beard, etc.); the two hands were depicted as a closed fist, especially the one holding the decapitated head by its hair. Thus perhaps (but am just speculating), the closed fist pommel design is related to this Katipunan imagery." now one of the pics shows human(?) hair being grasped by the fist. if the hair was part of the original sword, then it all adds up. the deeper significance is that in the philippines' precolonial days, human hair is sometimes used to decorate a sword (kampilan), shield, etc. and we all know that the 19th century revolutionary katipunan army was also a movement to go back and remember the precolonial ways of filipinos. it would surely be great to see more examples of the katipunan fist pommel with human hair in its grasp.

23rd October 2010, 03:44 AM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Looks a bit thick and coarse for human hair. Probably horse or goat.

23rd October 2010, 05:22 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I haven't posted in a while but after seeing all of these beautiful pieces it is hard not too. While all of these are absolutely stunning the one with the light colored carabao horn hilt is indescribable. I have found that trying to type while wiping the drool off of the keyboard is quite difficult. Thank you all for sharing these magnificent pieces. Robert

26th October 2010, 03:31 AM	#6
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	IN THE LAST TWO BOLOS PICTURED THERE APPEARS TO BE A LETTER C ON THE BLADES PERHAPS THIS WAS THE MAKERS MARK? SURELY A RECORD OF THIS COMAPNY EXHISTS SOMEWHERE AS ONLY THE WEALTHY OR IMPORTANT PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE ONE MADE.