Question - Open Scabbards and Single bevels in SE Asia

KuKulzA28 · 5th April 2009, 09:09 PM

I had two questions swirling around my head, and I figured this would be the best place to start. Taiwanese aboriginal knives have two interesting traits that are shared by other people nearby. Open scabbards and single(chisel) bevels. The Cordillera folk (Kalinga, Ifugao, Bontoc, etc.) have open scabbards, as well as Kachins, Assam, etc. in SE Asia. I have also seen that chisel grinds/bevels are common in the Visayan area on tenegre, talibon, and some other bolos. Because the SE Asian area was full of trade and cross-pollination since early days, I highly doubt these were all independent developments.

- How did the diffusion of the single bevel and open scabbard spread?
- Since double bevels and fully enclosing sheaths are more common, what advantages did these practices give to the cultures who used them?

Does anyone here know where I can find more information or can help answer me question?

Thanks

5th April 2009, 09:09 PM	#1
KuKulzA28 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: between work and sleep Posts: 731	Question - Open Scabbards and Single bevels in SE Asia I had two questions swirling around my head, and I figured this would be the best place to start. Taiwanese aboriginal knives have two interesting traits that are shared by other people nearby. Open scabbards and single(chisel) bevels. The Cordillera folk (Kalinga, Ifugao, Bontoc, etc.) have open scabbards, as well as Kachins, Assam, etc. in SE Asia. I have also seen that chisel grinds/bevels are common in the Visayan area on tenegre, talibon, and some other bolos. Because the SE Asian area was full of trade and cross-pollination since early days, I highly doubt these were all independent developments. - How did the diffusion of the single bevel and open scabbard spread? - Since double bevels and fully enclosing sheaths are more common, what advantages did these practices give to the cultures who used them? Does anyone here know where I can find more information or can help answer me question? Thanks