Visayas, the Philippines - swords question

blades · 7th September 2006, 11:25 PM

Thanks Ian!

This is really helpful -- it's great to see clear images with a label!!! As you mention - that there are few publications on this stuff -- you can imagine how I have been struggling with this.

In addition to the difference in the blade, it looks like the diety (?) on the hilt is different -- it that right?

also are Binangon and Ginunting the same thing -- just different words ... or are they different types of swords, or from different cultures, or different language, etc.??

Again much thanks. I'll look forward to hearing from you again ... as well as
zelbone and LabanTayo!

All best!

RhysMichael · 8th September 2006, 12:47 AM

I think the type of deity on the hilt tell more where it came from not which of these types it is but I could be wrong. Here are some other diety heads

blades · 8th September 2006, 02:45 AM

are the 2 swords in the first image Ian posted tenegres from the visayas? do you know what dieties they are? what religion?

this is great! thanks a lot!

RhysMichael · 8th September 2006, 01:06 PM

I believe the first two are of a Binangon

Battara · 8th September 2006, 07:57 PM

Thanks Ian. That simplified things even for me.

Ian · 8th September 2006, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blades

also are Binangon and Ginunting the same thing -- just different words ... or are they different types of swords, or from different cultures, or different language, etc.??

Excellent questions blades!

These issues have been much discussed on this forum, and the consensus is that there are many tribal/regional differences in describing a particular sword pattern. For example, binangon and ginunting basically describe the same blade pattern. You would need to check with Zel or Shelley, however, about which term is used where. They visited the Visayas a year or so back and did some serious on the ground research. Many of us are looking forward to reading their findings.

Some of our more experienced members favor using a simple term to describe swords of various patterns, with sundang being the favored generic term. If you search this forum for "sundang" you will find some of those discussions.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. Perhaps some of our Filipino collectors can add more.

Regards,

Ian.

8th September 2006, 12:47 AM	#2
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	I think the type of deity on the hilt tell more where it came from not which of these types it is but I could be wrong. Here are some other diety heads Last edited by RhysMichael; 8th September 2006 at 12:58 AM.

7th September 2006, 11:25 PM	#1
blades Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new mexico Posts: 4	Thanks Ian! This is really helpful -- it's great to see clear images with a label!!! As you mention - that there are few publications on this stuff -- you can imagine how I have been struggling with this. In addition to the difference in the blade, it looks like the diety (?) on the hilt is different -- it that right? also are Binangon and Ginunting the same thing -- just different words ... or are they different types of swords, or from different cultures, or different language, etc.?? Again much thanks. I'll look forward to hearing from you again ... as well as zelbone and LabanTayo! All best!

8th September 2006, 02:45 AM	#3
blades Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new mexico Posts: 4	are the 2 swords in the first image Ian posted tenegres from the visayas? do you know what dieties they are? what religion? this is great! thanks a lot!

8th September 2006, 01:06 PM	#4
RhysMichael Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 520	I believe the first two are of a Binangon

8th September 2006, 07:57 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Thanks Ian. That simplified things even for me.