Unusual Piras

Spunjer · 25th February 2005, 05:36 AM

ian,
thanks for your honest opinion on these pieces and the panabas. i figured it was 20thc. but didn't know it was that recent. i was really hoping to find an older (19th century) piece, but it seems like all the good ones are already gone. i can see why you prefer to collect lumad and lesser known tribes' weapon...

Ian · 25th February 2005, 12:28 PM

Spunger:

I could be wrong about the age, but that's my best guess. Versions from the early 20th C. have much longer projections at the back of the hilt, with hilts that look just like documented 19th C pira. More recent hilts seem to have morphed into almost an exaggerated kakatua. Two of yours show this feature, with quite prominent forward-projecting "beaks." That forward projection is virtually absent (or very minimal) on older pieces. This kakatua appearance, and the designs on the brass, are two features that make me think these pira are not coming from Yakan sources.

25th February 2005, 05:36 AM	#1
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	ian, thanks for your honest opinion on these pieces and the panabas. i figured it was 20thc. but didn't know it was that recent. i was really hoping to find an older (19th century) piece, but it seems like all the good ones are already gone. i can see why you prefer to collect lumad and lesser known tribes' weapon...

25th February 2005, 12:28 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	Spunger: I could be wrong about the age, but that's my best guess. Versions from the early 20th C. have much longer projections at the back of the hilt, with hilts that look just like documented 19th C pira. More recent hilts seem to have morphed into almost an exaggerated kakatua. Two of yours show this feature, with quite prominent forward-projecting "beaks." That forward projection is virtually absent (or very minimal) on older pieces. This kakatua appearance, and the designs on the brass, are two features that make me think these pira are not coming from Yakan sources.