Bagobo (?) man's working knife

[Ian]

This one will be with me in a couple of weeks. From the auction pictures shown below, it appears to me to be a fairly old example of a Bagobo man's working knife. It has been said that most Bagobo men carry a working knife, but relatively few of the older style knives seem to be around today. In the last 50+ years it seems that Bagobo men have adopted a larger version of the more familiar "women's working knife."

I believe the one shown in the attached pics is an example of an older style of men's working knife. I attribute it to the Bagobo based on the hilt style and especially the pommel which is carved in a manner reminiscent of older Bagobo swords. Overall length 48 cm (about 19 in.)

I would be interested to hear especially from our Filipino colleagues as to what they think of this knife. As always, all thoughts and comments would be much appreciated.

.

[Sajen]

Hi Ian,

I've noticed it also, it's a very nice knife and I agree with your Bagobo attribution. Congrats, a very nice one!

Regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

Thanks Detlef.

[JeffS]

Reminds me of these that I've heard called purok bolo.

[Battara]

Yup Bagobo and early

[Ian]

Hello Jeff,

It is indeed a purok bolo! I have been looking for an old reference I had on these knives and could not find it. That's a nice example that you show. I have another just like it in a similar sheath. The blade form and hilt are very similar to the example I show above.

Ian.