Southeast Asia, Philippines, Luzon, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning bolo sword single-edged, steel blade with a tapered profile, narrowest near the brass guard, with an intricate carabao horn carved into a fist shaped grip. The hand pommel is grasped around the peened tang finial, the fingernails and knuckles are masterfully captured, and an elegant cuff or bracelet is etched in low relief around the wrist. The bolo was a sword or long knife that functioned as both tools and weapons, the style often compared to a machete, the unornamented blades were ideal for clearing jungle and agricultural use. The ornate bolos- such as this, were status symbols, or rank and wealth, and the pointed tip suggests use a weapon rather than tool. Size (w/ handle): 26.25" L x 1.75" W (66.7 cm x 4.4 cm); (blade): 20.25" L x 1.5" W (51.4 cm x 3.8 cm)

For a similar example of this type of sword, please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art's website, accession number: 36.25.2897a, b.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Steve Rogers collection, New York, USA

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#173995

Age and use expected surface wear to blade, nicks, abrasions, and loss to tip. Minor wear and abrasions to horn grip. Overall great condition.