Another Oddity From the Philippines

Battara · 21st September 2018, 04:39 AM

I might also place this blade as Visayan or even Ilokano due to the type of "okir" floral motif inlays. The style of luks in the blade and the "ganga" also make me think this, though these are not as strong for me as the "okir motif. Also the engraving as Ian says is more delicate and precise, as in Spanish influenced engraving.

What I find interesting is the hilt which looks like it comes from an old WWII OSS bolo hilt with a slight modification at the top end. OSS hilts were based on the sarimanok designs of the barong and kris. If not OSS, then a copy of the OSS taking it back in the opposite direction towards the Moro (the European scroll at the back end)

I would not be surprised if the ensemble were placed together in WWII.

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21st September 2018, 04:39 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I might also place this blade as Visayan or even Ilokano due to the type of "okir" floral motif inlays. The style of luks in the blade and the "ganga" also make me think this, though these are not as strong for me as the "okir motif. Also the engraving as Ian says is more delicate and precise, as in Spanish influenced engraving. What I find interesting is the hilt which looks like it comes from an old WWII OSS bolo hilt with a slight modification at the top end. OSS hilts were based on the sarimanok designs of the barong and kris. If not OSS, then a copy of the OSS taking it back in the opposite direction towards the Moro (the European scroll at the back end) I would not be surprised if the ensemble were placed together in WWII.