BAGOBO BOLO?

tanaruz · 17th September 2020, 02:09 PM

Hi friends,

From my father's collection- a supposed to be Bagobo bolo (a kampilan?).

1) in one of my earlier posts, I have shared a presumably tagagaolo bolo with a similar scabbard design (floral side of the scabbard/round metallic discs).

My father remembers this piece as a Bagobo bolo (as what was told to him by the antique seller in General Santos City). We have Bagobo bolos/swords (aside from the 'datu' class earlier posted) in our collection- but they have hilts with a combination of wood + metal designs - this one has a solid hilt made out of brass.

Looking at the design on the brass hilt- it makes me wonder in indeed this is Bagobo.

Any feedback/inputs would be appreciated.

Regards

Yves

Ian · 17th September 2020, 02:50 PM

Hi Yves:

Yes, this one is Bagobo/Tagakaolo. The Tagakaolo are one of the three main groups of Bagobos, who live mainly on Mt Apo and surrounds, including Davao City. It is uncommon to see an all brass version of this hilt. Usually it is the decorated brass ferrule with a wooden (often banati) pommel.

Ian

tanaruz · 17th September 2020, 03:16 PM

Hello Sir Ian,

Thanks so much for the info!

Kindest regards

Yves

xasterix · 18th September 2020, 12:41 AM

That's a Bagobo kampilan, all right...I'm just curious about the scabbard, as it seems to deviate from usual samples. Here's my godfather's brass-hilted Bagobo piece with the usual scabbard.

Rick · 18th September 2020, 04:09 AM

What defines this sword as a Kampilan?
Is Kampilan a generic term through out the islands?
Couldn't this sword also be called a Bangkung?

Battara · 18th September 2020, 07:14 AM

Like Rick I too question the use of "kampilan". I also agree with Xasterix in that this is an unusual scabbard, almost looks like Moro "knock off" or a more recent Moro scabbard for this Bagobo piece - trade perhaps?

Ian · 18th September 2020, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

What defines this sword as a Kampilan?
Is Kampilan a generic term through out the islands?
Couldn't this sword also be called a Bangkung?

Rick, I think this one is another kampilan-like blade. Probably more so than resembling a bangkung which tends to have a more rounded approach of the spine to the tip. I don't know what the Bagobo would call this blade.

Xas, nice traditional ensemble, with the complete brass hilt also. These two would make a dozen or so of this style I have seen with all brass hilts. I never found one for sale when I was accumulating Lumad pieces. It's nice to see these two good examples of Bagobo/Tagakaolo brasswork.

As far as the scabbard, I think it may be from Zamboanga. It seems to have a rope keeper for tying around the waist.

Ian
.

17th September 2020, 02:09 PM	#1
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 267	BAGOBO BOLO? Hi friends, From my father's collection- a supposed to be Bagobo bolo (a kampilan?). 1) in one of my earlier posts, I have shared a presumably tagagaolo bolo with a similar scabbard design (floral side of the scabbard/round metallic discs). My father remembers this piece as a Bagobo bolo (as what was told to him by the antique seller in General Santos City). We have Bagobo bolos/swords (aside from the 'datu' class earlier posted) in our collection- but they have hilts with a combination of wood + metal designs - this one has a solid hilt made out of brass. Looking at the design on the brass hilt- it makes me wonder in indeed this is Bagobo. Any feedback/inputs would be appreciated. Regards Yves Attached Images

17th September 2020, 03:16 PM	#3
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 267	BAGOBO BOLO? Hello Sir Ian, Thanks so much for the info! Kindest regards Yves

18th September 2020, 12:41 AM	#4
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 663	That's a Bagobo kampilan, all right...I'm just curious about the scabbard, as it seems to deviate from usual samples. Here's my godfather's brass-hilted Bagobo piece with the usual scabbard. Attached Images

17th September 2020, 02:50 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,207	Hi Yves: Yes, this one is Bagobo/Tagakaolo. The Tagakaolo are one of the three main groups of Bagobos, who live mainly on Mt Apo and surrounds, including Davao City. It is uncommon to see an all brass version of this hilt. Usually it is the decorated brass ferrule with a wooden (often banati) pommel. Ian

18th September 2020, 04:09 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	What defines this sword as a Kampilan? Is Kampilan a generic term through out the islands? Couldn't this sword also be called a Bangkung?

18th September 2020, 07:14 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	Like Rick I too question the use of "kampilan". I also agree with Xasterix in that this is an unusual scabbard, almost looks like Moro "knock off" or a more recent Moro scabbard for this Bagobo piece - trade perhaps?