BAGOBO DATU CLASS

Ian · 13th September 2020, 04:08 AM

Jose,

I think what Yves was referring to as "datu class" was the style of hilt. Some would say that this style is reserved for swords of distinction, while more ordinary swords have a simpler style such as shown on this sword, which also has an ikat wrap. Perhaps Marbel could tell us if the textile is T'boli or Bagabo in origin.

Ian

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Marbel · 13th September 2020, 04:19 AM

Hi Ian,

It’s always a bit hard to identify a textile when it’s only a small piece, but the scabbard you’ve shown appears to be wrapped in Tboli t’nalak.

Ian · 13th September 2020, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marbel

Hi Ian,

It’s always a bit hard to identify a textile when it’s only a small piece, but the scabbard you’ve shown appears to be wrapped in Tboli t’nalak.

Thanks Craig. I thought it was probably T'boli, but I am far from an expert like yourself on the T'boli and Bagobo textiles.

Marbel · 13th September 2020, 05:17 AM

Hi Ian,

I feel like quite a few of these lumad scabbards (like the one you showed, not the nice old Bagobo and sometimes Blaan/Tagakaolo examples with great ‘mounds’ of textiles and sometimes beads wrapped at the tops of the scabbard) had textiles added to them later on in their lives. Maybe they were added to make them appear more interesting or indigenous. As you know, the old wooden Tboli and Blaan scabbards can often be beautifully carved. I suppose it’s a bit blasphemous on some level (maybe not), but I’m often tempted to cut the textile off what appears to likely be an old scabbard just to see what’s underneath.

13th September 2020, 04:08 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,414	Jose, I think what Yves was referring to as "datu class" was the style of hilt. Some would say that this style is reserved for swords of distinction, while more ordinary swords have a simpler style such as shown on this sword, which also has an ikat wrap. Perhaps Marbel could tell us if the textile is T'boli or Bagabo in origin. Ian . Attached Images

13th September 2020, 04:19 AM	#2
Marbel Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 68	Textile Hi Ian, It’s always a bit hard to identify a textile when it’s only a small piece, but the scabbard you’ve shown appears to be wrapped in Tboli t’nalak.

13th September 2020, 05:17 AM	#4
Marbel Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 68	Textile Hi Ian, I feel like quite a few of these lumad scabbards (like the one you showed, not the nice old Bagobo and sometimes Blaan/Tagakaolo examples with great ‘mounds’ of textiles and sometimes beads wrapped at the tops of the scabbard) had textiles added to them later on in their lives. Maybe they were added to make them appear more interesting or indigenous. As you know, the old wooden Tboli and Blaan scabbards can often be beautifully carved. I suppose it’s a bit blasphemous on some level (maybe not), but I’m often tempted to cut the textile off what appears to likely be an old scabbard just to see what’s underneath.