Bontoc Shield

Ian · 11th March 2005, 05:42 PM

Mike:

Thanks for your direct confirmation of my skepticism. These days I'm reluctant to come out and say publicly that something is not genuine, especially from pictures, but that Bontoc shield just did not look right for some reason — and you articulated well why it is not the real deal.

In the hand, the old ones are lighter than more recently made examples, reflecting different construction materials (as Mike said). Despite its size and bulk, my early 20th C. example of a Bontoc shield is really quite light and would be easily maneuvered for defensive purposes.

Ian.

Conogre · 11th March 2005, 08:06 PM

It's my understandiong that at least some of these are "dance shields" and not made JUST for tourists, but I don't have any direct confirmation of this.
On most, a little digging with a fine blade (such as under the handle) will reveal a light wood that's been stained.
In my case, I'm happy with it for what it is, a ceremonial piece at best, but still a very good reproduction (good enough that it would be serviceable in a pinch) which displays well.
I just hate to see people arrempting to pass these, and other things, off as authentic, giving a distinctly unpleasant smell to an otherwise honorable and enjoyable hobby......in at least a couple cases, I've e-mailed the sellers and "hinted" about the origins only to get evasive and highly defensive replies, a la teeth and hair, that pretty well make it clear that it's NOT an accidental misidentification.
The probable original seller, on the other hand, is extremely honest and forthcoming, someone I have nothing but respect for.
Mike

Battara · 15th March 2005, 01:59 AM

Well if you think about it, the goal was not to stop a blow with a static shield, but deflect a blow with movement, causing the blow to move at an angle. Thus heavy shielding was not needed nor preferred. A heavy shield would not be conducive for light quick movement and footwork in battle.

Conogre · 15th March 2005, 04:59 AM

That's 100% true, but my two "Warrior head" art shields offer a sense of protection better than any other shield I've ever seen, to the point that I suspect they would actually stop a medium caliber bullet!
Plus, look at the inspiration....I'd have to seriously hurt someone who looked like they were going to mess up that carving with a sword or spear!!!**grin**
In truth, I suspect that in a few years, even these recently made "dance shields" will get more costly as they slowly disapear altogether.
As more and more people move towards the cities and the modern world, the art will likely soon vanish completely so I hesitate to be too harsh on them.....they are well made and appear to be very much in keeping with the older ones as long as you're aware of what you're paying for and not getting scalped.
If you look at any area of weaponry where modern "masters" are keeping a style alive and you'll often find that the prices escalate up to or above some of the old antiques....perhaps this is the one saving rgace that may keep some of these tribal items from disappearing altogether.
Try to find a well made Native American warshield....I'm hoping, probably futiley, that some other rapidly modernizing cultures will learn from those that didn't.
Mike

11th March 2005, 05:42 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,395	Mike: Thanks for your direct confirmation of my skepticism. These days I'm reluctant to come out and say publicly that something is not genuine, especially from pictures, but that Bontoc shield just did not look right for some reason — and you articulated well why it is not the real deal. In the hand, the old ones are lighter than more recently made examples, reflecting different construction materials (as Mike said). Despite its size and bulk, my early 20th C. example of a Bontoc shield is really quite light and would be easily maneuvered for defensive purposes. Ian.

11th March 2005, 08:06 PM	#2
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	It's my understandiong that at least some of these are "dance shields" and not made JUST for tourists, but I don't have any direct confirmation of this. On most, a little digging with a fine blade (such as under the handle) will reveal a light wood that's been stained. In my case, I'm happy with it for what it is, a ceremonial piece at best, but still a very good reproduction (good enough that it would be serviceable in a pinch) which displays well. I just hate to see people arrempting to pass these, and other things, off as authentic, giving a distinctly unpleasant smell to an otherwise honorable and enjoyable hobby......in at least a couple cases, I've e-mailed the sellers and "hinted" about the origins only to get evasive and highly defensive replies, a la teeth and hair, that pretty well make it clear that it's NOT an accidental misidentification. The probable original seller, on the other hand, is extremely honest and forthcoming, someone I have nothing but respect for. Mike

15th March 2005, 01:59 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Well if you think about it, the goal was not to stop a blow with a static shield, but deflect a blow with movement, causing the blow to move at an angle. Thus heavy shielding was not needed nor preferred. A heavy shield would not be conducive for light quick movement and footwork in battle.

15th March 2005, 04:59 AM	#4
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	That's 100% true, but my two "Warrior head" art shields offer a sense of protection better than any other shield I've ever seen, to the point that I suspect they would actually stop a medium caliber bullet! Plus, look at the inspiration....I'd have to seriously hurt someone who looked like they were going to mess up that carving with a sword or spear!!!grin In truth, I suspect that in a few years, even these recently made "dance shields" will get more costly as they slowly disapear altogether. As more and more people move towards the cities and the modern world, the art will likely soon vanish completely so I hesitate to be too harsh on them.....they are well made and appear to be very much in keeping with the older ones as long as you're aware of what you're paying for and not getting scalped. If you look at any area of weaponry where modern "masters" are keeping a style alive and you'll often find that the prices escalate up to or above some of the old antiques....perhaps this is the one saving rgace that may keep some of these tribal items from disappearing altogether. Try to find a well made Native American warshield....I'm hoping, probably futiley, that some other rapidly modernizing cultures will learn from those that didn't. Mike