Philippine Buyo Knife, Piso Raut, or Something Else?

drac2k · 5th November 2022, 07:21 PM

The blade looks like a Philippine Buyo Knife, however, the handle, which I believe is bone looks to have carvings in the Dyak manner. The handle and the blade aren't in the Piso Raut configuration, but then again there is the carving.
The blade measures 6" and the handle 10".

Ren Ren · 5th November 2022, 09:54 PM

Great knife! Carving ornaments are similar to those of Borneo

kai · 5th November 2022, 10:23 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, 11:55 PM

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

JeffS · 6th November 2022, 04:50 AM

This looks similar to a nautilus.

Interested Party · 8th November 2022, 04:30 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, 02:51 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.

5th November 2022, 07:21 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Philippine Buyo Knife, Piso Raut, or Something Else? The blade looks like a Philippine Buyo Knife, however, the handle, which I believe is bone looks to have carvings in the Dyak manner. The handle and the blade aren't in the Piso Raut configuration, but then again there is the carving. The blade measures 6" and the handle 10". Attached Images

6th November 2022, 04:50 AM	#5
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 343	This looks similar to a nautilus. Attached Images

8th November 2022, 04:30 PM	#6
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 467	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 05:17 PM. Reason: after a rethink

5th November 2022, 09:54 PM	#2
Ren Ren Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Russia, Moscow Posts: 374	Great knife! Carving ornaments are similar to those of Borneo

5th November 2022, 10:23 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	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, 11:55 PM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	Thanks, guys,I think were on the right path.

12th November 2022, 02:51 AM	#7
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	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.