2 Philippine swords for identification

[drac2k]

I'm not quite sure what I have. The first sword is massive, with a 22" long blade, 3.25" at the widest point and very sharp.I don't think it is very old but not new either; the workmanship on the hilt and scabbard is very nice. I would guess it is status piece, maybe T'boli or Bagabo. I am at a loss for the second unless it could be Igorot ; it is very sharp and the blade measures approx. 18" long.
Any help would be appreciated.

[kai]

The first sword is massive, with a 22" long blade, 3.25" at the widest point and very sharp.I don't think it is very old but not new either; the workmanship on the hilt and scabbard is very nice. I would guess it is status piece, maybe T'boli or Bagabo.

This is made in Tugaya for those traveling for pleasure, sorry!

We've had 2 similar pieces showing up during the last years - a search for Bagobo should turn them up...

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Not exactly the same style but similarly playing with old motifs:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18286

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18664

[Sajen]

Agree with Kai and also the Igorot "kris" seems to my eyes a new creation, sorry.

Regards,
Detlef

[Battara]

They also make things like the first one in Marawi City - Maranao work.

Yes these are recently made for sale.

[Ian]

drac2K:

The first one is, I believe, of Moro origin, specifically from the Maranao people of the Lake Lanao area of Mindanao. The okir carvings on the scabbard are quite characteristic. The "baroque" curly pieces of metal on the hilt are a recognized Maranao style, sometimes called "sarimanok," that seems to have started in the early to mid-20th C., and one still sees occasional pieces being made today. It seems to have been particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and was mainly aimed at the tourist trade. You see it mostly on gunong-sized knives, and a number of these have been posted here over the years, although there are swords that are also decorated similarly.

I have a chopper of similar dimensions as yours (pictures attached) that I bought about 20 years ago in Manila. It was said to be Moro, and had come to Manila via Davao City. The hilt may represent a naga. The okir work on the scabbard is similar to yours. There are traces of old paint still visible on the scabbard. This one is probably from the 1960s.

Ian.

[drac2k]

Thanks to all who expressed an opinion! On the first item, it makes sense and I would tend to go with the 50's or 60's date as the workmanship is very good and the scabbard is chipped as opposed to a dremel tool job.I even think some of the fittings are silver.
On the second item you guys are probably correct, but as opposed to the first item and the ones you showed me made of brass, this kris like sword has a medial ridge on both sides, is very well balanced and sharp and it would make an effective fighting weapon .

[Bob A]

It may be new, but I really like the wiggly one; it has a certain insouciant charm.

[Dimasalang]

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks to all who expressed an opinion! On the first item, it makes sense and I would tend to go with the 50's or 60's date as the workmanship is very good and the scabbard is chipped as opposed to a dremel tool job.I even think some of the fittings are silver.
On the second item you guys are probably correct, but as opposed to the first item and the ones you showed me made of brass, this kris like sword has a medial ridge on both sides, is very well balanced and sharp and it would make an effective fighting weapon .

FYI a lot of stuff coming out of the Philippines today is being passed off as old. They actually do a decent job at recreating some of the older designs, but I think you can tell by the sharp edges of the wood, particularly the carved areas. I think the designs on them look more bolder, rather than the original which look subtle. These newer pieces are also hand carved, and many times are not dremeled or machined. They do tend to go a bit overboard with other aesthetics as well. And it is common for them to show some socalled 'battle damage' or broken pieces...again another way to try and persuaded people that they are 'authentic' and old. I don't like the idea that they try and pass them off on people as original turn of the century pieces, but many buy in to it and don't have the eye for it to know the difference. Some are great, but still, more of a wall hanger than anything I would say.

[Sajen]

Well said!