N Luzon Lakay Sword
 

Hi all,

I just returned from the Philippines. Unfortunately I never had time to look for old swords but one of my friends over there recognized this blade, that I found in US this June.
He is from one of the hilltribes and told me that it's from the Mayoyao tribe and it's a tribal leader authority sword.

What do you think?

Michael

Fabulous send it to me immediately.

Very nice! The blade bears some resemblance to the Maasai seme and the hilt resembles the old anthropomorphic keris handles.

I find it very interesting that this is a double-edged blade...I usually associate the Philippines with single edged weapons. Besides the kris I can't think of any other double-edged types.

Regards,
Emanuel

VERY INTERESTING SWORD IT REMINDES ME OF ITEMS IN THIS POST.
POSTED BY NONAY TAN, 10/2007 " LUZON SPEARS" SEARCH WORD = BARLIG

The genre looks familiar.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=kalinga+spear

I also found the book. If you like I'll scan the page and send it to you. It is written in Dutch or German, has information about this spear head. Possibly applicable to your sword. Same area N Luzon.

Yes, I had those kind of ritual spears in my head when I bought it.
Any more info or comments?

Michael

Wonderful piece and I agree that it reminds me of Bill's Igorot spears. I have never heard of that tribe, but there is a lot I have never heard of........ :shrug:

I believe that there is no "Mayaoyao tribe." He must be referring to the peoples living in Mayaoyao - a town of Ifugao province, northern Luzon.

The Ifugao peoples had a social strata which classifies peoples according to prestige/wealth. It is likely that such a bladed weapon was used by the wealthy to display their social status.

Michael,

What are its measurements?

We should meet someday when you are in the Philippines.

Nonoy

The use of anthropomorphic figures on these northern luzon bladed weapons is interesting. Here is another example:

Maraming Salamat, Nonoy, that makes more sense. :)