Silver-Clad Taribong Hilt, Panay Bukidnon People, central Panay Island, Visayan Islands, the Philippines, 20th century

Rare & Elaborate Silver-Clad Taribong Sword Hilt

Not only is this sword hilt relatively rare in that it is from the Panay Bukidnon people of central Panay Island in the Visayan group in the Philippines, it is also an excellent example. Modelled as a mythical naga-type creature, it has an unusually long, curved shout which is intact and not shortened as other extant examples sometimes are.

The hilt itself has a base of wood and is clad in silver sheet that has been punched and chased with designs. Various spherical protuberances such as those that denote eyes, ears and the headdress have been fashioned by hammering United States silver coins into shape. Some date son these are visible and they are all with 1940s dates.

The base of the hilt is covered with sheet copper.

The hilt has good wear and patina from age and use. It is a splendid item – rare and sculptural. It stands upright, unaided. There are no losses and no repairs.

Fernando-Amilbangsa, L., Visual Arts of the Sulu Archipelago, Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2005.

private collection, UK