Need help to identify an unknown Philippine bolo

Sajen · 30th April 2018, 08:05 PM

I have recently acquired this heavy bolo, I think it's Philippine but not 100% sure about it. I can't really say how old it could be but I think rough estimated first half of the 20th century. The blade form remember strong to the Negrito Dipalatas, as well the small guard from horn which you can see at the Dipalatas but the handle from horn is very different, the only similar handle I've seen by a bolo is this from Michael Marlows (VVV) bolo he has posted once: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ht=Philippines.
So what is it and from where exact it coming? An other form of a Dipalata from Negritos from an other Philippine island? Something complete different?
Every suggestion and comment will be very welcome!
It's 61 cm long overall with a blade from 43,5 cm which is 7 mm thick near the handle.

kai · 30th April 2018, 11:53 PM

Hello Detlef,

Congrats, that does seem to be a genuine dipalata, indeed!

The hilt/pommel looks old and original - do a thorough check upon arrival...

I'd guess it's a variant, maybe from another related group. Quite surely from Luzon though.

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 1st May 2018, 12:23 AM

I too was thinking diplata........

Sajen · 1st May 2018, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Congrats, that does seem to be a genuine dipalata, indeed!

Hello Kai,
thank you for confirming my guess that it seems to be an unknown variant of a dipalata.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

The hilt/pommel looks old and original - do a thorough check upon arrival...

It is in my hands, you should know my photograph background!

Yes, the handle is for sure original to the blade, no doubt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

I'd guess it's a variant, maybe from another related group. Quite surely from Luzon though.

When it is indeed a dipalata it seems to be an unknown variant. It seems nearby that the one from Michael in the link coming from the same group and because this one has the colourful scabbard (but we don't know if it's original to the sword) I've considered that it could come from an other island maybe.

Regards,
Detlef

Sajen · 1st May 2018, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I too was thinking diplata........

Thank you Jose! It's always good to be not alone, you are the fourth who think it's a dipalata variant!

Regards,
Detlef

30th April 2018, 08:05 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,794	Need help to identify an unknown Philippine bolo I have recently acquired this heavy bolo, I think it's Philippine but not 100% sure about it. I can't really say how old it could be but I think rough estimated first half of the 20th century. The blade form remember strong to the Negrito Dipalatas, as well the small guard from horn which you can see at the Dipalatas but the handle from horn is very different, the only similar handle I've seen by a bolo is this from Michael Marlows (VVV) bolo he has posted once: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ht=Philippines. So what is it and from where exact it coming? An other form of a Dipalata from Negritos from an other Philippine island? Something complete different? Every suggestion and comment will be very welcome! It's 61 cm long overall with a blade from 43,5 cm which is 7 mm thick near the handle. Attached Images

30th April 2018, 11:53 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Hello Detlef, Congrats, that does seem to be a genuine dipalata, indeed! The hilt/pommel looks old and original - do a thorough check upon arrival... I'd guess it's a variant, maybe from another related group. Quite surely from Luzon though. Regards, Kai

1st May 2018, 12:23 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,229	I too was thinking diplata........