Philippine Buyo Knife, Piso Raut, or Something Else?

Ren Ren · 5th November 2022, 08:54 PM

Great knife! Carving ornaments are similar to those of Borneo

kai · 5th November 2022, 09:23 PM

Hello David,

There are similarities but also unusual elements which might point to either Islamic influences or possibly even other islands. I can't really place this carving style with any specific group. Hopefully the Borneo specialists will chime in.

Regards,
Kai

drac2k · 5th November 2022, 10:55 PM

Thanks, guys,I think were on the right path.

JeffS · 6th November 2022, 03:50 AM

This looks similar to a nautilus.

Interested Party · 8th November 2022, 03:30 PM

Interesting configuration. It looks to me like it was designed to get the hand using it out of the way. Skinner? Or meant to slice something on a table or the ground?

Is that a makara on the pommel?

The band below the know work reminds me of a motif we have discussed on the keris Janggelan style hilt as a mask or vegetal/insect/arachnid feature.

Below the makara(?) head is a detail that reminds me of the tree of life. On the same band there is a double spiral almost modified into a swastika. Here is a page from Van der Hoop that discusses the double spiral's spread through the archipelago.

The final bit on the pommel I can't help but notice has eight petals and a bud on top. Is this a feature derived from a lotus? I am probably reaching a bit with these interpretations, but it is what I see on this interesting knife. For some reason the decoration on the whole has the feel of water.

Rick · 12th November 2022, 01:51 AM

I think it's a Buyo knife from the size of it.
Form follows function, decoration would be regional for a tool such as this one.
Dyak design elements, but with other (?) elements also.

6th November 2022, 03:50 AM	#4
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 427	This looks similar to a nautilus. Attached Images

8th November 2022, 03:30 PM	#5
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 497	Interesting configuration. It looks to me like it was designed to get the hand using it out of the way. Skinner? Or meant to slice something on a table or the ground? Is that a makara on the pommel? The band below the know work reminds me of a motif we have discussed on the keris Janggelan style hilt as a mask or vegetal/insect/arachnid feature. Below the makara(?) head is a detail that reminds me of the tree of life. On the same band there is a double spiral almost modified into a swastika. Here is a page from Van der Hoop that discusses the double spiral's spread through the archipelago. The final bit on the pommel I can't help but notice has eight petals and a bud on top. Is this a feature derived from a lotus? I am probably reaching a bit with these interpretations, but it is what I see on this interesting knife. For some reason the decoration on the whole has the feel of water. Attached Images Last edited by Interested Party; 8th November 2022 at 04:17 PM. Reason: after a rethink

5th November 2022, 08:54 PM	#1
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 379	Great knife! Carving ornaments are similar to those of Borneo

5th November 2022, 09:23 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello David, There are similarities but also unusual elements which might point to either Islamic influences or possibly even other islands. I can't really place this carving style with any specific group. Hopefully the Borneo specialists will chime in. Regards, Kai

5th November 2022, 10:55 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,258	Thanks, guys,I think were on the right path.

12th November 2022, 01:51 AM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	I think it's a Buyo knife from the size of it. Form follows function, decoration would be regional for a tool such as this one. Dyak design elements, but with other (?) elements also.