weapons
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Bontoc Battleshield (Kinong) Bontoc Battleshield (Kinong) is used in battle. Made by the men of each pueblo, they are seldom bought or sold. Used in battle, there are three distinct patterns, this one fits the description of that of the Bontoc. Made from a single piece of wood, the grip is made almost always for the left hand, being held by three fingers with the thumb and forefinger on the outside of the grip. The carved pattern on the front of the shield has no known cultural meaning. The lacings are made of Bejuco, a viney plant that grows in the region. The Bontoc were headhunters in the past and the taking of a head in battle meant the warrior would be able to wear a headhunters tattoo. These tattoos were a highly prized symbol of manhood and a man would not marry until he had received one. Men go to battle armed with the shield, a battle axe, and one to three steel tipped spears. They must keep the shield between themselves and their enemy and battles are a series of springing motions of sudden on rushes and retreats. They would often behead their enemy before he was dead and if two warriors threw their spears to wound a man, one who had already taken a head would allow the other, if he had not, to claim the head.
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Pronged Shield (Kalasag)Pronged Shield (Kalasag). Rectangular in shape with three thick top prongs, one thin prong on the bottom left, & one thick prong on the bottom when held by the handle. Used as a defense mechanism for the Filipino Headhunters. Kept spears and arrows from penetrating its bearer. Dimensions are 13.5 inches in width and 37 inches in length. Shield is composed of dadap, polay, & sablang which are native trees. In a historical term, Datu Lapu-Lapu has been said to have used the shield in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Handle is supported by a small rectangular support near the middle of the shield. Bontoc Pronged Shield is held together by laces on each side. Appears to have used varnish for finishing and was originally brown. Noticeable rubbing damage when holding the shield properly. Damage perhaps occurred when item was packaged in box container. Bontoc.
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Walking staff (hukkui). Used to traverse mountainous terrain in Luzon. Made of wood, rattan, bronze, and iron. Sharp spear-like iron point, woven rattan grip, and a carved bronze head. Shaft made of wood; head carved of bronze; grip composed of woven rattan with a red-orange dye; tip made of iron. Used to traverse the mountainous terrain of northern Luzon. Because the people were encouraged not to carry spears, the tip of the walking staff is sharp and pointed in order to provide defense in case of danger. Condition: unused. Origin: Kalinga tribe, Luzon, Philippines.
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Battle spear (gayang)Used by warriors. 15 in steel point with crescent-shaped barbs (pagang), 6 ½ in conical steel tip on reverse end of shaft, 6 ft total length, shaft made out of unknown wood, wood gradually tapers down the closer it gets to conical steel tip.. Woven decorative rattan attached below steel point with two additional sections of red colored rattan. Condition: unused. Ethnic: Ifugao. Origin: Luzon, Philippines.
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