Bontoc Sword

[Nonoy Tan]

This type of spearhead (in general form) is found not only among the Ifugao but other Northern Luzon Cordillera peoples with countless variations. We have to remember that the inhabitants of the Luzon Cordillera were not a single people, recently grouped into "Igorot." Each village was more or less independent, even with regards to the Ifugao. Thus among the Ifugao, variations of this type of spearhead exists too, depending on which village used it and the blacksmith who created it. It takes a while to be able to differentiate whether the same form of spearhead is from which village or area. Since the early 1900s lot of hybrids have started to turn up too, owing to the increased contact between villages. Thus, it is not unusual to encounter a spear consisting of a spearhead, ferrule, shaft, and butt cap from different provenances.

[DaveA]

I have a similar but smaller knife from the Ifugao tribe. The hilt carving is in the shape of “Sitting Bulol”, the god-protector of old granaries.

As another forum member posted, the term Igorot doesn't refer to a specific tribe. Ifugao are one of (at least) six distinct tribal groups of the "Igorot" (Mountain People). Their lives are deeply involved with the growing of rice and the carving of Bulol is emblematic of the ritual and magic in their culture.

[Tatyana Dianova]

DaveA, can you please post the pictures?

[DaveA]

This is a small dagger made by the Ifugao trip of the Philippines. The hilt and scabbard are made of acacia wood, carved in traditional patterns. Including the hilt and scabbard, this dagger measures about 13 inches long.

The hilt is cared in the shape of “Sitting Bulol”, the god-protector of old granaries. The scabbard is carved in the shap of a python head. Woven rattan holds together the scabbard and also forms a small hook for carrying.