Bagobo Datu Spear

[Battara]

Greetings folks.

Here is the only Bagobo datu spear I have. I just finished restoring it based on research from old pictures and Krieger’s work.

The blade is steel with silver and bronze/brass dots. All of the silver inlays are reminiscent of Moro datu kris blade work.

Beneath the blade are a bronze collar with worn down spirals and a brass collar with “figures” chased in it. Below all of that is a section of brass hammered wire, held at the bottom with a bone ring.

At the distal end the spear was split and I glued that, then made the Bagobo figured brass sleeve with a hammered cap at the end.

I would place this at the end of the 19th century.

[Battara]

Here is a picture of a Bagobo datu taken in 1900. Notice the spiral wire wrap near the hand and especially the spear blade with inlay.

[mariusgmioc]

Lovely piece and interesting information!

Thank you for sharing!

[CharlesS]

One of the most attractive Philippines spears I have seen!

[Oliver Pinchot]

Brilliant restoration, Jose!

[xasterix]

Lovely symbolism. Great piece!

Originally Posted by Battara

Greetings folks.

Here is the only Bagobo datu spear I have. I just finished restoring it based on research from old pictures and Krieger’s work.

The blade is steel with silver and bronze/brass dots. All of the silver inlays are reminiscent of Moro datu kris blade work.

Beneath the blade are a bronze collar with worn down spirals and a brass collar with “figures” chased in it. Below all of that is a section of brass hammered wire, held at the bottom with a bone ring.

At the distal end the spear was split and I glued that, then made the Bagobo figured brass sleeve with a hammered cap at the end.

I would place this at the end of the 19th century.

[kai]

Very nice piece, Jose!

Do the silver as well as the brass inlays have central dots from another alloy? Could you take a close-up, please?

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

Thank you folks.

Hi Kai, I hope this picture is what you were asking. The only metals that I can find are silver (more like a sterling silver of around 90-92% silver and 10-8% copper alloy) and brass/bronze. No other alloys are present.

[Aslan Paladin]

Very nice spear Jose, masterfully restored to its original glory.

[Battara]

Originally Posted by kai

Very nice piece, Jose!

Do the silver as well as the brass inlays have central dots from another alloy? Could you take a close-up, please?

Regards,
Kai

After re-reading your question again, I now understand better. The round/middle parts of the dots and inlays are the same. The color differentials are from lighting and the effects of etching. I etched the blade just in case there was a pattern in the steel (and yes it makes the inlays pop out better).

[Sajen]

Beautiful spear Jose, congrats!