Origin of the Kalinga Axe

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Nonoy Tan

I suspect that his painting was based on stories he has heard or read.

Yes, looks like it.

Like what's that two-pronged spear the Igorot is holding? And then the axe is shown with a loop for its hilt and it has hair or fibers in it.

On the other hand, the painter got right the distinctive haircut with bangs in front, and then long hair at the back plus that small bowl-like weaving that is used as sort of a headdress.

On head-axes in general, below are more pics gathered from various coffee table books.

[migueldiaz]

Some more pics, taken from another forum: Filipinas Collection Thread 3.

Thread by the way has lots of old Philippine pics definitely worth checking out.

[VANDOO]

I REALLY ENJOY PICTURES LIKE THE LAST ONE IN THIS SERIES, I HAVE SEEN ONE SIMULAR FEATURING NAGA WEAPONS AND ITEMS.
THE SECOND DRAWING SHOWS 2 FELLOWS WITH WHAT LOOKS LIKE A TOOL USED TO HOLLOW OUT THINGS. IT COULD BE USED TO BREAK THRU THE PARTICIONS IN BAMBOO TO FORM CONTAINERS OR WATER PIPES. SOMETHING SIMULAR IS USED TO HOLLOW OUT BLOWGUNS. THE WORKERS STAND UP ON A PLATFORM AND PLACE THE MATERIAL TO BE HOLLOWED OUT BELOW IT AND HOLLOW IT OUT FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM WHICH RESTS ON THE GROUND. SOME OF THE TOOLS ARE HEATED AND BURN THE WOOD AND THEN THE ASH IS REMOVED OTHERS WORK MORE LIKE A CHISEL OR GOUGE TO REMOVE THE WOOD. THIS EXAMPLE LOOKS LIKE THE LATTER TYPE AND AS BAMBOO IS SHOWN IN THE DRAWING IT IS LIKELY A TOOL FOR WORKING IT.

YOU MUST HAVE SOME VERY INTERESTING BOOKS AVAILABLE

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by VANDOO

YOU MUST HAVE SOME VERY INTERESTING BOOKS AVAILABLE

Some of the pics I post (like the most recent ones above) are found merely by rummaging through the Web

[migueldiaz]

Would just like to share more very old pics, from Ramon Zaragoza's Tribal Splendor. Here's a set on headhunting-related scenes:

[migueldiaz]

Success ...

[migueldiaz]

Funeral activities re headhunting:

[migueldiaz]

The "usually mile long" parade of Igorot warriors must had been a sight to behold as they snake through the rice terraces ...

[migueldiaz]

Pics showing the "context" within which headhunting took place:

[migueldiaz]

Finally, some Tingguian activities pics (and here's a recent news article on the current status of the Tingguians).

[Tim Simmons]

I move away from weapons but would just like to say that these pictures and others, show these people had/have a fasinating and beautiful sculptural sence in building and landscaping with natural stone forms.

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I move away from weapons but would just like to say that these pictures and others, show these people had/have a fasinating and beautiful sculptural sence in building and landscaping with natural stone forms.

Yes, those 2,000-year old Igorot rice terraces are a sight to behold (it's been declared a Unesco World Heritage site by they way).

I've been to Bali, Indonesia once and they too have hillside rice terraces in there. But the scale is much smaller compared to the ones made by the Igorots.

On the head axes, I've been fooling around with two recently acquired Kalinga head axes. After etching, one of them exhibited a hardened edge, along the chiseled cutting edge (see pics).

I understand though that there's a wide variation on how these axes are made. So, this hardened edge feature can be absent in other authentic samples.

[migueldiaz]

Radleigh's Head Axe... A good one? revived my interest on the origin of the northern Luzon head-axe.

From Fay-Cooper Cole's 1922 book on the Tinguians [aka Itnegs], an upland tribe which shares the Cordillera mountain range with the Igorots:

While the axe is primarily a weapon, its use is by no means confined to warfare. It is used in house and fence building, in cutting up game and forest products, and in many other ways. Fig. 8 [below] shows three types of head-axes, the first two, the Tinguian-Kalinga axe; third, the Igorot; fourth, the Apayao. There is a noticeable difference between the slender blades of the first group and the short, thick blade of the Igorot, yet they are of the same general type. The Apayao weapon, on the other hand, presents a radical difference in form. Despite these variations, the axes of these three tribes present an interesting problem. So far as it known, these are the only tribes in the Philippines which make use of a head-axe, and it is believed that no similar weapon is found in the Malayan Islands. However, blades of striking resemblance do occur among the Naga of Assam [10]. It is possible that the weapons of these far separated regions may hark back to a common source, from which they received their instruction in iron working.

xxx

[10] Egerton, Handbook of Indian Arms (Wm. Allen and Co., London, 1880), p. 84; Shakespear, History of Upper Assam, Burma and Northeastern Frontier (MacMillan, London, 1914), p. 197, illustration.

Clearly, the book cited is an old one (1922). On the other hand, so far it still looks like that the northern Luzon head-axe is an original form, endemic strictly to northern Luzon ...

Unless evidence to the contrary is uncovered ...

[migueldiaz]

Reviewing this portion of Cole's 1922 book on the Tinguians:

So far as it known, these [Tinguians, Igorots, & Apayaos] are the only tribes in the Philippines which make use of a head-axe, and it is believed that no similar weapon is found in the Malayan Islands. However, blades of striking resemblance do occur among the Naga of Assam [10].

xxx

[10] Egerton, Handbook of Indian Arms (Wm. Allen and Co., London, 1880), p. 84; Shakespear, History of Upper Assam, Burma and Northeastern Frontier (MacMillan, London, 1914), p. 197, illustration.

I wanted to find out what a Naga-Assam [headhunter's] axe looks like. Photo 1 and photo 2 below are both from Oriental Arms.

There appears to be some similarity all right, but not with the traditional crescent-shaped form of the northern Luzon head-axe.

As to the probable link between the two cultures, it appears to be there indeed. I found this pertinent excerpt, from a recent research work:

Colonel L.W. Shakespear suggests that the Naga fancy for marine shells may point to a bygone home on the sea (History of Upper Assam, p.197). In any case, the Nagas have very strong cultural affinities with the natives of the Asiatic Islands, notably Borneo, and the Philippine Islands, and perhaps physical affinities with some of them (Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, vol. xliv, p.57)”.

What's the conclusion? Well so far, it still points to the theory that the northern Luzon head axe is a unique and endemic weapon-tool, with no other parallels ... at least so far

[Nonoy Tan]

I agree. The headaxe of Northern Luzon is an endemic development.

The tribes of Northeast India and Northern Luzon have remarkably similar ecologies and material culture. On the other hand, the social organizations are very different. Also, I also doubt that the headaxe of Northern Luzon and the axe of Northeastern India had come from a common origin, because there is yet no indicative proof. This is not to say, however that both cultures had not adapted certain cultural traits from a common influence or source (directly or indirectly). Talismanic symbol in blades of India is also found in some blades of Northern Luzon (Ilongot and Agta), and Southern Philippines (so called "moro" blades).

Meanwhile, here is a photo of a headaxe with a centipede design – in relation to the thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6818

[Nonoy Tan]

HERE IS A PICTURE OF ONE OF MY AXS FROM THAT POST. IT WAS IDENTIFIED FOR ME AS AN AX USED BY THE YAPAYAO PEOPLE OF APAYAO AND PARTS OF LLOCOS NORTE, TWO PROVENCES IN NORTH LUZON. IT IS REFERRED TO THERE AS AN "ALIWA" AND WAS SAID IN THIS CASE TO BE A BINAROY TYPE.

Based on the literature by Morice Vanoverbergh, i.e. "Dress and Adornment in the Mountain Province of Luzon, Philippine Islands"; "The Isneg Farmer"; and "Isneg-English Vocabulary"...

There appears to be no such "Binaroy" axe among the Isneg of Apayao. Instead, the closest type of axe which resembles that posted by VANDOO in this thread is the "Aliwa," specifically the "Badan" type.

The first time I encountered the word "Binaroy" was at the Macau Exhibit - and assumed it to be accurate. However, after going through the above cited literature, I am now in doubt. I wonder where the term "Binaroy" comes from

[Nonoy Tan]

The mention of the term "Buneng" (refering to the axe) by the Ibanag in the 17th century is interesting.

The reference to an axe was made by my favorite historian, William Henry Scott, in his book "Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society" (1994). In the section covering the Ibanag, Scott wrote (using the work of Fray Jose Bugarin as source):

“Maengel raiders sent out with the plumes of the dalaw bird on their heas and the hair of defeated foes on their spears, to which they added gold ornaments during victory dances around their trophies. An illustration in the Boxer Codex shows a Cagayan warrior … Their weapons were leaf-shaped daggers 20 to 30 centimeters long (inalag) spears (suppil if plain, saffuring if barbed), and one which in modern times would be called a head axe – bunang, “machete of the natives,” Father Bugarin said, “like a crescent moon with a long point.”

Dominican priest Jose Bugarin in the 17th century collected Cagayan Ibanag words which would later be published in an 1854 dictionary (in Spanish).

This is signficant because it provides a possibility that the so-called "Kalinga head-axe" had an Ibanag (not Kalinga or Igorot) origin.

I checked Bugarin's work (in the 1854 document) and discovered that there is no attribution of the Bunang to an axe. In fact, he was specifically refering to a "machete" with a blade that was half-moon shaped (not crescent moon shaped, as Scott had misinterpreted). Thus, the possibility that the head-axe was of Cagayan origin is unlikely, in my opinion.

From the time I posted this topic in October 2009, my research on the origin of the "Kalinga axe" has not ceased. I have since then obtained new and interesting information. I will share these when the research is completed.

[Navigator]

What are the chances that these two Kalinga head axes were made by the same guy?[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

[Nonoy Tan]

There is that possibility... to what extent we may never know.

There are beautiful.

[Battara]

I believe these to be datu pieces, but their blade heads are on backwards and there are some replacement bands. Still great pieces.

[Nonoy Tan]

I believe these to be datu pieces, but their blade heads are on backwards and there are some replacement bands. Still great pieces.

Navigator, the observations by Battara are important to consider.

Battara, I am doubtful about the use of "datu" - Are there datus in the Northern Luzon Cordillera social and political structures?

[Battara]

Nonoy Tan, you bring up a good point. If I understand right, there are datus in those cultures. I will see if I re-find past research upon which I base this.

In addition I would add that these types are perhaps ceremonial, but I base that due to the nature and work of the materials covering the shafts.

[Navigator]

These are obviously fine head axes and must have cost quite a bit more when they were made than a simple utilitarian example.
So, a rich man may well have owned such a weapon.

These head axes were made by a specialist.

It would be an interesting project to determine exactly which village they were made in.
I think this may still be possible because the children of the artisan are probably still alive, as these pieces probably date from around 1920.

Perhaps someone on this forum already knows.

[Battara]

Nonoy Tan,

I looked over this thread again and realized I misunderstood your comment. I do know that there are chieftains among the Igorot tribes, but I think you were referring the word "datu" not the concept. As far as the word is concerned, I agree that it is not used among them - I just did not know what term to use at the time. The Kalinga term for chieftain (according to this article) is a pangat (http://www.cca.org.hk/resources/ctc/.../ctc02-02h.htm).

[Nonoy Tan]

Battara, thank you for providing this information.

Indeed the social and political structures among the various Luzon Cordillera groups (and other Philippine ethnic peoples) also varied.

[VANDOO]

RECENTLY SAW THESE FOR SALE ON EBAY AUCTION NOW CLOSED. THEY WERE IDENTIFIED AS NEOLITHIC STONE ADZ/AX FROM PHILIPPINES POSSIBLY FROM THE ISLAND OF PALAWAN. ONE MEASURES 8.5IN LONG X 5INCH WIDE THE OTHER 9 IN. LONG X 5 INCH. PERHAPS THE MORE MODERN AX EVOLVED FROM SOMETHING LIKE THIS IF THESE ARE GENUINE ARTEFACTS.

[Indianajones]

Hello Navigator, two quite quality Kalinga axes indeed! Those silver rings are not replacements as Battara mentioned b.t.w. I have seen/had other axes also with partly (original) silver rings which I could place in the region where the Kalingatribe meets their Tinguian neighbours. However I do think the axeblades are on backwards as mostly the handlespurs are on same side as the projecting blade, but I could always be proven wrong.

According the books there were two places where most iron blades were made; in Balbalassang (borderTinguian/Kalinga area) and a place around Bontoc (forgot the name now), but some other villages also had their own smithies. And those villages would be mostly all in the North Kalinga area and perhaps in the East region of the Kalingatribe, I reckon. I have visited a small ironsmith myself in Ableg (West of Tabuk).
Who made the handle and optional copperwork on it is the question. Perhaps another specialist as it looks like quite meticulous work and craftmanship.

Beautiful Kalinga axes as your would certainly be owned by experienced headhunters called 'Pangats' addorned with the chesttattoes who where greatly respected, however these where not necesseraly Chiefs. These axes are really arms of war and prestige (high costs!) and may be used once in a while in ceremonies. Hence also that wonderfull usage patine; shiny n brown.
The spur -by the way- was not only used for a good grip but was also the hook from which it hung tucked in the G-string hanging upside down when standing.

It would indeed be quite interesting to know where exactly your axes were made! I have also been studieing that for a while. There are many differences on the handles; the form of the spurs (projecting notch on handles), the copperwork, the geometric cutting in the copper, bladeshape, lenght of handle. I HAVE noticed that the spurs on the handles of Tinguian-area-examples are always quite triangular and 'sharp' of edges.

Thanks for sharing the (pics of) the Kalinga axes. I have included also a nice picture (slightly blurred) of two North Kalinga warriors with axes and a pic of the Kalinga section of my collection.

Best, Wouter

[VANDOO]

I RESURECT THIS THREAD TO ADD AN AX WITH DEFINITE PROVENANCE, STILL EVIDENT IN THE BLADE. IT WAS MADE OF A CONOCO GAS CAN ,USA, 1944

[Battara]

Interesting piece Barry. Never seen such from a gas can before. Looks Kalinga.

[Nonoy Tan]

It was four years ago when I started this thread. Since then more information has come to light and would like to share them here.

1. Historical records show that the usual name used for this weapon was "Aliwa."

2. These historical records, many of which are early dictionaries or compilation of words, were based on data gathered as early as ca. 1570-1699. There records show cognate words such as Aligua, Aliua, Alioa, Liga, Iwa, Iua, Ygua, Igua and Ligua.

3. The "Aliwa" and its cognates are found in Tagalog, Isneg, Apayao, Tinguian, Iloco, Zambal, Ibanag, Bontoc Igorot, Lepanto Igorot, Pampanga, Ifugao, and Kalinga. These linguistic groups are found in eastern, northern, and central Luzon.

4. “Aliwa” was not always an axe. In fact early accounts indicate that the Aliwa was a bolo, knife or dagger. It was only later that it became known as an axe. It was not until the around the late 18th century that the name “Aliwa” was applied to the axe. It is quite possible that the axe form of the “Aliwa” was not existent until this period mentioned for it was still in knife or bolo form.

The headhunter's axe as we know it, was a later development and not ancient. The tool used by headhunters was originally a bolo or knife-like. How the axe form came into being - historical records does not provide. However, the “Aliwa” (as a head-cutting tool) is limited to Luzon, despite the fact that headhunting was also prevalent in the Visayas and Mindanao. (The head-cutting tool used in the Visayas and Mindanao was not called “Aliwa” and was not an axe either – but that is a separate topic).

Incidentally, the beautiful "Kalinga/Tinguian axe" with long ferrule and handle could not have been used for lopping off heads. It is not strong enough in my view. When tested against pig neck, the wooden handle broke at the point closest to the metal ferrule. Unless, held by the metal ferrule (not by the wooden handle) it cannot possibly do heavy chopping work. This type of axe was likely an ornament or tool for ritual and cutting/slicing smaller objects.