Unusual Ilongot Work Knife/Weapon

[kai]

Hello Robert,

My next project will be trying to find someone who can identify what animal the bone being used as a guard was originally from.

There will be quite a few possible contenders to have "sponsored" this piece of bone. In its current condition, it is unlikely that a comparative analysis of the structure is feasible to yield any clear result.

I believe the only straightforward approach would be to test the DNA; this would need a small hole to be drilled into the bone. A sample could be taken from the inside alternatively. I guess though, you'd not be keen on having this ferrule temporarily removed from the hilt, too...

While it would be interesting to know the origin of the bone, I'm not sure it is of enough importance to initiate scientific analysis.

Regards,
Kai