Minasbad, Tenegre?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks Detlef for summarizing the features of these swords. As Xas noted, they appear to be a distinct category that we have not recognized well before. I would simply add that it has no guard (unlike a minisbad which does).

A quick question for Xas. What is the animal/deity depicted on these? I have heard it described variusly as an aso (dog) or bat motif?

Hi Ian,

Yes, I agree with you. But the sword from Robert has a small guard. His sword seems to have some exceptions, handle is simplified, it has a small guard and the clipped point is very short.

The deity hilt was once described from Bankaya as: "As for the figural carving, he described this type seen on this thread as inaso or aso (dog) faced carving. The other figural style is called sawa which I believe is more of a crocodile or naga form." in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=bicol

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

It is hard to tell bat or dog. However, if I understand right, there were early contacts between Bicol region and Borneo. In fact, some Bornean princes came to Bicol long ago. If true, then the Bornean influence of the aso (dog-dragon) got exported to Bicol as well.

Then could there be a merger with the Bakunawa deity? Possible since Bicol and the Visayas are culturally connected.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Battara

Then could there be a merger with the Bakunawa deity? Possible since Bicol and the Visayas are culturally connected.

Good point Jose! Here the hilt pommel from one of my Visayan blades (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=minasbad)
Possible Waray? In the thread you can see other similar handles.

[MacCathain]

I'm pleased my inquiry led to the sharing of the great information in this thread. Thanks to all of you who replied.

Any additional thoughts as to the holes in the dog's cheek? It doesn't seem to be a common feature, though there are one or two examples shown in the related threads. Perhaps evidence of the existence of a "retention strap ring" is a clue to age?

M

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by MacCathain

Any additional thoughts as to the holes in the dog's cheek? It doesn't seem to be a common feature, though there are one or two examples shown in the related threads. Perhaps evidence of the existence of a "retention strap ring" is a clue to age?

Hello MacCathain,

The last shown sword in post #8 has the holes as well. I've seen them mostly by dinahong-palay and sinampalok, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=bicol
I think they are not deep enough for rentention strap ring, but maybe a sign of age, newer ones seems to have this holes.

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely? Then there seems to be a high probability that a retention strap (or a cord holding such a piece of cloth) ran through it. I doubt it has seen a lot of service though.

The example shown in post #8 also seems to have a similar hole; I can't remember any with typical minasbad though.

Based on the quite rare occurrence and apparent differences in age, I'd be inclined to vote for personal preference rather than indictors for age/origin.

BTW, the smaller holes indicate losses of decor.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Detlef typed faster again...

[MacCathain]

Originally Posted by kai

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely?

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by MacCathain

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

Like said, I think that this holes are pure decorative, I've seen them mainly by examples from WWII or later.

Regards,
Detlef