SAMAR BINALHAG

[tanaruz]

Originally Posted by Battara

What an interesting piece. A true Visayan example. The blade profile does look almost old Cebuano talibong/garab. I would agree with the deity attribution for the pommel.

Only thing is I'm thinking that the binalhag blade profile might be more curved in the middle of the blade top and swollen bottom, similar in some ways to the late 19th century Cebuano talibongs. Am I right?


Thanks for sharing this (Maraming Salamat!)

Hi,

This is my first binalhag. From Borongan, Samar c. 1945.

I don't know much about Visayan blades but the 'blade profile might be more curved in the middle of the blade top and swollen bottom' (silimar to a talibong)- might be the bihalhag bolo meant not for combat purposes but the utility type. But it's just my idea on pics that I have seen though.

[tanaruz]

Originally Posted by tanaruz

Hi,

This is my first binalhag. From Borongan, Samar c. 1945.

I don't know much about Visayan blades but the 'blade profile might be more curved in the middle of the blade top and swollen bottom' (silimar to a talibong)- might be the bihalhag bolo meant not for combat purposes but the utility type. But it's just my idea on pics that I have seen though.

Kind regards,

Yves

[kai]

Hello Yves,

I agree that these look similar enough - could we also get a view of the other side of the blade, please?

The pommel carving on the piece you're enquiring about seems to me pretty rough without wear and patina from extended use. I'd guess this is a later recarving or replacement. Also the braiding on the grip (plastic?) seems to be too rough for extended use. I'd suggest that this is an older piece whose hilt got revamped sometime after WW2.

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

I agree with Kai. The carving does look clean and more recent.

[tanaruz]

My dear friends.

Finally, I was able to personally touch this binalhag. This was made possible when the whole of the National Capital Region (which includes Metro Manila) and some areas were downgraded from the Echanced Community Quarantine(ECQ) to a Modified ECQ.

Here are the traits/points from my point of view:
1) the so called 'braided wrappings' on the handle and the scabbard is similar to a rattan material (or something similar to it)- and not plastic.

2) the carving lines on the deity (if this is the right term)- is quote smooth.

3) blade: chisel grind (right side)- right handed. Here are some clearer pics of the blade after I cleaned it up with antique wax and gun oil (on the blade).