Igorot/Bontok Shield

estcrh · 3rd October 2014, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Just lucked out and found this sleeper on epray for a very nice price. A nice Igorot/Bontoc shield that looks to be in decent shape for a change. It measures 34" in length and is 13" wide. As this is my first shield purchase any and all help with the age of this piece and information on it would be greatly appreciated. These are the photos from the auction, not the best but will give an idea of condition.

Best Robert

Robert, here is one to compare.

Robert · 3rd October 2014, 05:31 AM

Great photo Estcrh, thank you for posting it for comparison. Except for the extra carving in the two cutout on the top of the shield and that mine has two rows of rattan bindings top and bottom instead of one the two are very similar. On the inside of my example (the fifth photo) there is a piece of wood lashed in place, can anyone tell me its purpose? Being carved the way it is it looks like it might have had more of a purpose than just that of being a reinforcement. Also, could the damage (sixth and seventh photos) on the upper right outer edge have been caused by being struck repeatedly during dance ceremonies?

Nonoy Tan · 3rd October 2014, 10:40 AM

Quote:

there is a piece of wood lashed in place, can anyone tell me its purpose? Being carved the way it is it looks like it might have had more of a purpose than just that of being a reinforcement.

Hi Robert,

Likely that was used to stabilize a spear when held with the same hand as the shield.

Nonoy

Sajen · 3rd October 2014, 02:29 PM

Hello Robert,

very nice old Bontoc shield with good signs of use. Here a informative link about this shields: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=bontoc+shield

Regards,
Detlef

Robert · 3rd October 2014, 08:13 PM

Nonoy, Thank you for helping identify what the wooden piece was used for. I have posted a photo (borrowed from Detlef) that I think shows how it would be useful for the purpose that you suggested.

Detlef, I had just finished reading the post that you kindly posted the link to here and as you say, it is very informative. I hope that you do not mind my using the photo you posted there here as an example.

Can anyone tell me if there are any indicators present on my example that might help point to its possible age and what they are?

estcrh · 3rd October 2014, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Can anyone tell me if there are any indicators present on my example that might help point to its possible age and what they are?

If you look at the shield from the image you just posted compared to your shield they look very similar.

Sajen · 3rd October 2014, 09:15 PM

Hello Robert,

no problem! I think that you shield is clearly Bontoc and around 1900, maybe older.

Regards,
Detlef

3rd October 2014, 08:13 PM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Nonoy, Thank you for helping identify what the wooden piece was used for. I have posted a photo (borrowed from Detlef) that I think shows how it would be useful for the purpose that you suggested. Detlef, I had just finished reading the post that you kindly posted the link to here and as you say, it is very informative. I hope that you do not mind my using the photo you posted there here as an example. Can anyone tell me if there are any indicators present on my example that might help point to its possible age and what they are? Attached Images

3rd October 2014, 05:31 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Great photo Estcrh, thank you for posting it for comparison. Except for the extra carving in the two cutout on the top of the shield and that mine has two rows of rattan bindings top and bottom instead of one the two are very similar. On the inside of my example (the fifth photo) there is a piece of wood lashed in place, can anyone tell me its purpose? Being carved the way it is it looks like it might have had more of a purpose than just that of being a reinforcement. Also, could the damage (sixth and seventh photos) on the upper right outer edge have been caused by being struck repeatedly during dance ceremonies?

3rd October 2014, 02:29 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,272	Hello Robert, very nice old Bontoc shield with good signs of use. Here a informative link about this shields: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=bontoc+shield Regards, Detlef

3rd October 2014, 09:15 PM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,272	Hello Robert, no problem! I think that you shield is clearly Bontoc and around 1900, maybe older. Regards, Detlef