Old Photo of Philippines "Bolo Maker" - Page 2

Dimasalang · 1st April 2010, 09:34 AM

Thanks everybody...glad I could be of some help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashoka

!! that is what I call background knowledge..! thanks Dimasalang that is fascinating information. On the other side of the blade is carved 'Kalayaan'?

Sweet! Kalayaan is Tagalog for independence, liberty, and freedom.

This is why I love this place! Thank you all for sharing these images and your own personal pieces with us...much of them being some serious pieces of Philippine history. Where else on earth am I going to view prime examples and artifacts of my own people. Most of us wouldn't even know these fine blades existed!

Battara · 21st October 2010, 12:51 AM

This piece is a good evidence that the fist form is a Katipunan symbol (though depending upon the style and quality of the carving).

migueldiaz · 21st October 2010, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

This piece is a good evidence that the fist form is a Katipunan symbol (though depending upon the style and quality of the carving).

At Museo del Ejercito in Toledo, Spain, there's a Katipunan banner with this image -- two arms shown just from the elbow to the hands; one is holding a blade, and the other is holding by the hair a severed head of what looks a Caucasian (full beard, etc.); the two hands were depicted as a closed fist, especially the one holding the decapitated head by its hair. Thus perhaps (but am just speculating), the closed fist pommel design is related to this Katipunan imagery.

Battara · 21st October 2010, 03:38 AM

Yes I know the picture and found it in an old book on the PI. This is the reason I first thought that the fist was a sign of the Katipunan. Recently I found out that members would identify themselves to each other in the street with a fist to the chest.

migueldiaz · 21st October 2010, 05:09 AM

If you'll have the chance to see that pic again, can you please post it here? Thanks

Dimasalang · 22nd October 2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by migueldiaz

If you'll have the chance to see that pic again, can you please post it here? Thanks

I have this photo also, somewhere on one of my computers. Ill try and find it and post it, if Battara doesn't before me.

migueldiaz · 22nd October 2010, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimasalang

I have this photo also, somewhere on one of my computers. Ill try and find it and post it, if Battara doesn't before me.

Salamat

Chainlink · 22nd February 2013, 09:34 AM

I had no idea Filipino weapons and even utilitarian edged instruments were so complex and interesting.

This is a fantastic and rich history. I was so happy to find this very informative thread. I have one of these knives too. Sword?
Big knife, let's say mine is. 15 1/2 inches for the blade, 22 inches overall.
Bolo. I always thought.

I'd be very interested to hear what you all think of this one.

22nd February 2013, 09:34 AM	#38
Chainlink Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Key West, Florida. USA Posts: 1	My Katipunan bolo I had no idea Filipino weapons and even utilitarian edged instruments were so complex and interesting. This is a fantastic and rich history. I was so happy to find this very informative thread. I have one of these knives too. Sword? Big knife, let's say mine is. 15 1/2 inches for the blade, 22 inches overall. Bolo. I always thought. I'd be very interested to hear what you all think of this one.

21st October 2010, 12:51 AM	#32
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	This piece is a good evidence that the fist form is a Katipunan symbol (though depending upon the style and quality of the carving).

21st October 2010, 03:38 AM	#34
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Yes I know the picture and found it in an old book on the PI. This is the reason I first thought that the fist was a sign of the Katipunan. Recently I found out that members would identify themselves to each other in the street with a fist to the chest.

21st October 2010, 05:09 AM	#35
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	If you'll have the chance to see that pic again, can you please post it here? Thanks