Luzon "Binangkoko"

ThePepperSkull · 28th February 2012, 10:44 PM

^ As my friend explains, the term "binangkoko" is used around the negros area to differentiate the heavier and locally produced Ginunting and the Luzon blades of similar shape.

He says that the people he trains with (the Dekiti Tirsia Siradas camp) are adamant about the difference between a negros/visayan-made blade being called a ginunting only, and making a point to differentiate that between the lighter blades of similar shape made in Luzon which they call Binangkoko.

Of course, I have no knowledge of the luzon term for this may be. Maybe even they would call it a "ginunting" and not see the difference. I've asked a few of my relatives from my father's side of the family (ethnically they are tagalog) and they've never heard of the term "binangkoko". I have a friend who speaks bisaya and he's heard that term used before but doesn't remember which context, but at least we have that.

PS: Thank you all for the kind words. I don't have many Luzon pieces so i figure I may as well collect the nice ones when I can find them. Does anyone have an approximate date of manufacture on this?

Robert · 29th February 2012, 12:50 AM

Great catch !!! I too would have called this a ginuting. As far as age, I believe because of the shape of the hilt, the way the decorations are done and the way the ferrel is fitted to the hilt that this would date to the second quarter of the 20th century. I could be totally wrong on this though so I will wait to see what the more knowledgeable member have to say. Again, my congratulations on your winning this very nice addition to your collection.

Battara · 29th February 2012, 03:42 AM

I hate to say this but I also would have thought this was a ginuting as well. Certainly a Luzon piece. I have often found that different groups can have different names for the same type of piece in the PI.

On another note - great piece! Good to finally see an old example of these.

Indianajones · 29th February 2012, 09:56 AM

Hello, interesting piece indeed. Am I the only one who sees the similarity of the grip with another quite different type of Visayan bolo -see pic below-??

Also the combination of metal studs hammered into the horn in a motive and inserting a lozenge shows me an influence of Indonesia; as I have seen quite many horn snuffboxes from Indonesia with this same method of decorating (metal studs, inserted lozenge).

Think these swords are very rare; I never seen one before! Anyone knows more info on them; area of use/manufacture?

29th February 2012, 09:56 AM	#4
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Hello, interesting piece indeed. Am I the only one who sees the similarity of the grip with another quite different type of Visayan bolo -see pic below-?? Also the combination of metal studs hammered into the horn in a motive and inserting a lozenge shows me an influence of Indonesia; as I have seen quite many horn snuffboxes from Indonesia with this same method of decorating (metal studs, inserted lozenge). Think these swords are very rare; I never seen one before! Anyone knows more info on them; area of use/manufacture? Attached Images

28th February 2012, 10:44 PM	#1
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	^ As my friend explains, the term "binangkoko" is used around the negros area to differentiate the heavier and locally produced Ginunting and the Luzon blades of similar shape. He says that the people he trains with (the Dekiti Tirsia Siradas camp) are adamant about the difference between a negros/visayan-made blade being called a ginunting only, and making a point to differentiate that between the lighter blades of similar shape made in Luzon which they call Binangkoko. Of course, I have no knowledge of the luzon term for this may be. Maybe even they would call it a "ginunting" and not see the difference. I've asked a few of my relatives from my father's side of the family (ethnically they are tagalog) and they've never heard of the term "binangkoko". I have a friend who speaks bisaya and he's heard that term used before but doesn't remember which context, but at least we have that. PS: Thank you all for the kind words. I don't have many Luzon pieces so i figure I may as well collect the nice ones when I can find them. Does anyone have an approximate date of manufacture on this?

29th February 2012, 12:50 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Great catch !!! I too would have called this a ginuting. As far as age, I believe because of the shape of the hilt, the way the decorations are done and the way the ferrel is fitted to the hilt that this would date to the second quarter of the 20th century. I could be totally wrong on this though so I will wait to see what the more knowledgeable member have to say. Again, my congratulations on your winning this very nice addition to your collection.

29th February 2012, 03:42 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,323	I hate to say this but I also would have thought this was a ginuting as well. Certainly a Luzon piece. I have often found that different groups can have different names for the same type of piece in the PI. On another note - great piece! Good to finally see an old example of these.