Southeast Asia, Philippines, Mintanao, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A nice example of a bolo, a large cutting tool similar to a machete, with a carved wooden handle with silver plating around its lower portion and a curved, abstract avian-form pommel. The grip is bound with woven black thread. The steel blade has a sharpened edge down one side, ending in a sharp point. A wood and rattan sheath protects the sword, with the wood incised with abstract relief figures. Although the primary use of the bolo is to clear vegetation, a fine example like this one was not made to be used for farm work. Size with sheath: 4.75" W x 24.25" H (12.1 cm x 61.6 cm)

Provenance: private Tucson, Arizona, USA collection

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#129506

Nice patina on handle's wooden surfaces, with light corrosion / rust on the blade surface. Small losses to the rattan on the sheath.