Datu Class Bagobo Bolo

Battara · 15th January 2017, 06:52 AM

Greetings.

I got this last year and took a lot of time on this. The end was missing, so I had to remake and carve a new section that was missing on the terminal end. Thus I also made the brass ends from scratch.

The brass work on the front of the hilt was missing as well, so I made this from scratch as well, although I did buy the little tiger bells. I also placed beads inside the top of the brass cup as per tradition for talismanic value.

I was able to stabilize parts of the beadwork on the scabbard, and hand sewed parts of the beadwork back together, though major parts were good.

You will notice a long strap. Ian and I discussed this and figured that this probably belonged to a shoulder bag at one time.

I based my work on research, and a big thanks to Ian for his insights.

BTW - I did etch the blade but nothing came out so far. Interesting fuller work on it though.

This example belonged to a datu (according to examples carried by Bagobo datus) and I would put this from the late 19th century at least.

Rare to get an example like this.

Enjoy.

Sajen · 15th January 2017, 04:50 PM

Very nice Bagobo sword!

And good restore work as well. I hope that I will be able one day to own such a sword.

Regards,
Detlef

Battara · 15th January 2017, 05:55 PM

Thank you Detlef. I agree - I have been looking for one like this for 15 years.....

VANDOO · 15th January 2017, 07:52 PM

A GREAT CATCH AND EXCELLENT RESTORATION. YOUR WORK JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND YOU STAY VERY LUCKY JOSE

I WOULD HAVE WANTED ONE OF THESE FOR YEARS TOO BUT HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A NICE EXAMPLE. NOW I WANT ONE TOO.

Ian · 15th January 2017, 08:02 PM

Jose,

This one came out very well. It is remarkably complete and I like the touches that you added back to it. Excellent example.

Ian.

Battara · 17th January 2017, 12:50 AM

Thank you. The nearly complete beadwork on this is what first caught my eye.

15th January 2017, 06:52 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	Datu Class Bagobo Bolo Greetings. I got this last year and took a lot of time on this. The end was missing, so I had to remake and carve a new section that was missing on the terminal end. Thus I also made the brass ends from scratch. The brass work on the front of the hilt was missing as well, so I made this from scratch as well, although I did buy the little tiger bells. I also placed beads inside the top of the brass cup as per tradition for talismanic value. I was able to stabilize parts of the beadwork on the scabbard, and hand sewed parts of the beadwork back together, though major parts were good. You will notice a long strap. Ian and I discussed this and figured that this probably belonged to a shoulder bag at one time. I based my work on research, and a big thanks to Ian for his insights. BTW - I did etch the blade but nothing came out so far. Interesting fuller work on it though. This example belonged to a datu (according to examples carried by Bagobo datus) and I would put this from the late 19th century at least. Rare to get an example like this. Enjoy. Attached Images

15th January 2017, 04:50 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,791	Very nice Bagobo sword! And good restore work as well. I hope that I will be able one day to own such a sword. Regards, Detlef

15th January 2017, 05:55 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	Thank you Detlef. I agree - I have been looking for one like this for 15 years.....

15th January 2017, 07:52 PM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	A GREAT CATCH AND EXCELLENT RESTORATION. YOUR WORK JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND YOU STAY VERY LUCKY JOSE I WOULD HAVE WANTED ONE OF THESE FOR YEARS TOO BUT HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A NICE EXAMPLE. NOW I WANT ONE TOO.

15th January 2017, 08:02 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,207	Jose, This one came out very well. It is remarkably complete and I like the touches that you added back to it. Excellent example. Ian.

17th January 2017, 12:50 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	Thank you. The nearly complete beadwork on this is what first caught my eye.