Igorot/Bontok Shield

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Robert

Thank you for the good news on the age of this piece Detlef. I am always worried when I purchase something that I am not at all familial with that it will turn out to be something that was made for "those who travel". I have been looking for one of these and a Moro taming (actually any shield of Philippine origin) for quite a while and was starting to think that I would never find one that I could actually afford without having to win the lottery first.

Hello Robert,

I am far away to be an expert in this field but the pictures show a good patina to the wood, please show some close ups special from the handle.
Like said, very nice Bontoc shield!

Regards,
Detlef

[Robert]

I am far away to be an expert in this field but the pictures show a good patina to the wood, please show some close ups special from the handle

Hello Detlef, The shield is scheduled to arrive on Monday if everything goes right and I will post them then. As this is my first large wooden piece what should and should not be done to it as far as cleaning and preservation? I was thinking of wiping it down with a cloth dampened with a mixture of distilled water and Murphy's oil soap to remove any loose dust or dirt and then giving a good coat of Ren wax. Is this an acceptable way of treating it or is there a more prefered way to go about its cleaning?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Robert

Hello Detlef, The shield is scheduled to arrive on Monday if everything goes right and I will post them then. As this is my first large wooden piece what should and should not be done to it as far as cleaning and preservation? I was thinking of wiping it down with a cloth dampened with a mixture of distilled water and Murphy's oil soap to remove any loose dust or dirt and then giving a good coat of Ren wax. Is this an acceptable way of treating it or is there a more prefered way to go about its cleaning?

Hello Robert,

I think this will work, try before at a place in the back which is not visible direct. When I have seen it correct is there a small piece of wood just over one of the rotan bindings which could need some care, maybe you will be able to fix it in a better way. Be careful and don't overclean the shield.

Regards,
Detlef

[Robert]

The shield arrived today and I am more than happy with it. The bit of damage that Detlef pointed out looks to have been caused by a strike from something with a sharpened edge. The blow did not penetrate the shield completely and most of the damage to be wood was caused when whatever it was struck with was withdrawn pulling part of the wood forward. The inside surface of the handle has the feel of polished stone, a texture that is only acquired by years of being handled. The shield has years of dust accumulated on it that I will be using a soft brush to remove. The only real problem with the shield is that the wood is extremely dry. This is where I need help from the experts in wood preservation. What is the best course of action that should be taken to help preserve the wood and what should I use to do it? In the past I have used linseed or olive oil warmed in a double boiler and then brushed onto the wood wiping off any excess oil that did not soak in after a few seconds. After the oil I would then apply a coat of Ren wax and call it a day. Any and all help and suggestions on what should or should not be done to this will be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Robert

P.S. I will post more photos after the cleaning and preservation are complete.

[Sajen]

Hello Robert,

nice to read that you are happy with it! I also use liseed oil but haven't used it by my Bontoc shields because it will darken the surface. My one is as well very dry and I've done nothing. It's hanging at the wall and don't see any fights so it's save for break! Maybe only Ren wax?

Regards,
Detlef

[Robert]

Thank you Detlef for your reply and advice on this. It is hard to believe that out of all the experts here that none have had experience with an item in this condition, or that no other advice is being offered on how to care for it. I have plenty of experience on working with smaller wooden items and (over the years) have learned that what works for them does not always work the same for larger items. I think that I will leave it "as is" for now as my last experience with having someone else do work for me on a large wooden item turned out to be a disaster.

Best,
Robert

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Robert

It is hard to believe that out of all the experts here that none have had experience with an item in this condition, or that no other advice is being offered on how to care for it.

Indeed!