Filipino Traditional Blades--a brief review (part I)

[Ian]

Thanks PBH for the clarification. So a clearer reading for these attributions would be "Binalhag (W. Samar) with a Talibong," and "Sansibar (Albuera, Leyte) with a Talibong." The origin of the Talibong in each case is unspecified. Ian.

Originally Posted by Pinoy Blade Hunter

"Taribong and Binalhag of Mabini, Western Samar"

"Taribong and Sansibar of Albuera, Leyte"

"Now the sword labeled taribong (which appears to be synonymous with talibong) is the same sword in each picture, but it is given two different origins. Are these swords from Leyte or Samar? The two islands lie side by side in the eastern Visayas, so the distinction may not be all that important (except to those who live there), but one of these pictures seems to be mislabeled."

-- binalhag is the blade under the talibong in the first picture. binalhag was from mabini, western samar.

sansibar, under the talibong (2nd pic), sansibar was from albuera, leyte.

the talibong in the photo was just placed side by side with another blade from mabini and albuera respectively.

[Ian]

Binangon/Binakuko

"Binangon" Maasin, Iloilo

More commonly known as "Binakuko" in other islands.

The most important bolo type manufactured by the Badiangan blacksmiths are

• Binakuko for chopping wood;
• Sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs and smaller trees;
• Ginunting having the same function as the Sinuwak;
  
• Pinuti for slicing meat;
• Tangkap for kitchen use;
• Linamay, Surot, and Balintawak are used in gardening;
• Kayog is used to harvest rice; and
• Wasay used to chop lumber and bigger trees.

Bolos are made by hand with blades made from recycled steel.

[Ian]

Tukew and Garab, Palaw'an people, Palawan

"Tukew" and "Garab" Palaw'an Tribe (Quezon, Palawan)

A Palaw'an brother was kind enough to pose for a photo witb his EDC. A "Garab" he is holding which is used to cut grass. And the traditional bolo of his tribe, called a "Tukew".

The Palaw'an is one of the indigenous tribes of Palawan.

The garab shown here is a tool that resembles rice knives used elsewhere, although described here as used for cutting grass. We don't see the blade of the tukew but it is possibly what has been described here previously as a Palawano bangkung.
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[Ian]

"Obtip"—Davao City

"Obtip" Matigsalog Tribe

This is the traditional IP bolo (Sundang) of the Matigsalog Tribe of Sitio Marahan, Marilog District of Davao City. Locally called an "Obtip"

Forged by a katutubo panday of the community.

Our thanks to the tribe elders who allowed us to share a photo of their tribe's traditional blade.

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