Igorot/ Bontoc. 23 ½” length with 12 3/8” iron head of iconic form with back spike and incurved edge. Showing wrought iron lamination, light to marks and black oxidation. Lapped seam socket composing half the haft. The balance of carved wood, with integral line decorated spur. Brass base ferrule with the balance of the haft with silver wire inlay. Incised brass mount behind the spur and at the base of the top. Fine old example of good quality in excellent preservation for the period. The majority of surviving example are rehafted and few originals boast hafts of this quality. Headhunting is engrained in the cultures of the inhabitants of Luzon. It was diminished by the turn of the 20th century.
