Borneo Parang Nabur or Visayan Bolo?

Battara · 11th November 2006, 06:49 PM

I have been confused by these puppies. However, Erik Farrow has this to say about this type being Visayan:

http://www.eriksedge.com/PH189.html

BSMStar · 11th November 2006, 07:38 PM

I agree with Erik that these swords are made in the Philippines, but looking at the blade profile... is it Visayan? I do not believe that Erik makes a direct reference to the sword being Visayan.

If indeed it is Visayan, there should be many other examples of this blade type in the Visayan region... I have not seen any. The closest examples to this sword are Parang Naburs. I think the sword presents a bit of a puzzle.

Battara · 12th November 2006, 07:15 PM

YOu have a good point BSMStar (like the on top of my head

). I don't know. I would like to see more evidence on this.

VVV · 12th November 2006, 07:47 PM

The discussion of this sword actually continued in this thread.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...?t=1792&page=3

Batangas was brought up as a probable origin of this, by Stone, incorrect labeled sword.

Michael

BSMStar · 13th November 2006, 06:56 PM

Hi Michael,

(You have an awesome collection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I think if you compare the sword that Spunjer had, with mine and yours... you will see some similarities, but many more differences.

Spunjer's blade is very different (not the same profile at all).

The hilts look similar (like the ears and the rings on the grip)... but you compare them in detail, the hilts are very different by design (not just due to variation in manufacture). Yours and mine are different because of normal variation, but they are the same hilt (minus the D-guard and clam shell - the only variation of this sword that I have seen) Our swords have the same blade profile.

Spunjer's sword may be a cousin (or 2nd gen), but it is not the same sword.

VVV · 13th November 2006, 07:19 PM

Hi BSM Star,

I agree that the blade and hilt of Spunjer's bolo is a bit different but I still think they are from around the same area.
It also seems like Ian thinks so in the other thread?
After this thread started I found another one of those bolos and that scabbard (haven't had time to fix it yet) also seems to be of Filipino origin.
Unfortunately I don't know enough to be sure from what region.

Michael

Spunjer · 13th November 2006, 07:33 PM

VVV,

how sure are you that the scabbard is original with the sword? i.e., does it fit well? i'm assuming if you remove the white rattan (j/k) you could clearly see the form where the blade rest.

if this is original to the blade, well, another bleeping monkey wrench...

13th November 2006, 07:19 PM	#6
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Hi BSM Star, I agree that the blade and hilt of Spunjer's bolo is a bit different but I still think they are from around the same area. It also seems like Ian thinks so in the other thread? After this thread started I found another one of those bolos and that scabbard (haven't had time to fix it yet) also seems to be of Filipino origin. Unfortunately I don't know enough to be sure from what region. Michael Attached Images

11th November 2006, 06:49 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I have been confused by these puppies. However, Erik Farrow has this to say about this type being Visayan: http://www.eriksedge.com/PH189.html

11th November 2006, 07:38 PM	#2
BSMStar Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas City, MO USA Posts: 312	I agree with Erik that these swords are made in the Philippines, but looking at the blade profile... is it Visayan? I do not believe that Erik makes a direct reference to the sword being Visayan. If indeed it is Visayan, there should be many other examples of this blade type in the Visayan region... I have not seen any. The closest examples to this sword are Parang Naburs. I think the sword presents a bit of a puzzle.

12th November 2006, 07:15 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	YOu have a good point BSMStar (like the on top of my head ). I don't know. I would like to see more evidence on this.

12th November 2006, 07:47 PM	#4
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	The discussion of this sword actually continued in this thread. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...?t=1792&page=3 Batangas was brought up as a probable origin of this, by Stone, incorrect labeled sword. Michael

13th November 2006, 06:56 PM	#5
BSMStar Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas City, MO USA Posts: 312	Hi Michael, (You have an awesome collection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I think if you compare the sword that Spunjer had, with mine and yours... you will see some similarities, but many more differences. Spunjer's blade is very different (not the same profile at all). The hilts look similar (like the ears and the rings on the grip)... but you compare them in detail, the hilts are very different by design (not just due to variation in manufacture). Yours and mine are different because of normal variation, but they are the same hilt (minus the D-guard and clam shell - the only variation of this sword that I have seen) Our swords have the same blade profile. Spunjer's sword may be a cousin (or 2nd gen), but it is not the same sword.

13th November 2006, 07:33 PM	#7
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	VVV, how sure are you that the scabbard is original with the sword? i.e., does it fit well? i'm assuming if you remove the white rattan (j/k) you could clearly see the form where the blade rest. if this is original to the blade, well, another bleeping monkey wrench...