Found at an estate sale, took a chance on them.
Rare Matched Pair of Antique Bagobo "Sangi" Knives
Mindanao, Southern Philippines – Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Condition: Excellent Collector Grade (Loose, Completely Intact, Bells Ring)
The knives are mounted in a display box. This is what I think I have:
The pair are a magnificent, highly authentic matched pair of antique Sangi utility knives from the Bagobo (Lumad) people of Mindanao, Philippines. These pieces have not been permanently glued, soldered, or modified, allowing for full handling, close study, and display flexibility.
Blade & Forging Details
Unlike most surviving examples that have suffered tip damage over the last century, both of these blades feature their original, intentional factory-forged scalloped tips. The complex, jagged silhouette of the tips is completely intact and beautifully sharp.
- Decorative Metalwork: The spines of both steel blades feature traditional incised brass-inlaid geometric patterns consisting of interlocking waves and half-moon crescents. Under high magnification, the hand-chiseled valleys and tool-priors from the native smith are visible, confirming pure indigenous craftsmanship where brass wires were hand-hammered directly into the negative spaces.
- Surface & Patina: The blades show prominent vertical and diagonal scratch patterns indicative of traditional stone-sharpening and hand-polishing. The steel displays a gorgeous, dark, uniformly stabilized carbon patina with light surface pitting, completely free of active orange rust.
- Ricasso Detailing: The base of the blades features specialized scroll-cut styling and crescent punch accents right where the tang meets the hilt.
Hilt & Tang Construction
The hilts demonstrate the pinnacle of historic Mindanao metalsmithing, showing an elite multi-material stabilization technique:
- Tang Assembly: Looking straight down the brass collars (ferrules), the original hand-carved native hardwood cores are visible. The wood exhibits natural, historic drying shrinkage consistent with over a century of age.
- Grip Wirework: The handles are meticulously bound with alternating bands of tightly wrapped dark iron wire and smooth brass spacers, providing a structurally sound and tight grip.
- Acoustic "Tiger Bells": The pommels feature branching iron loops holding traditional cast-brass "tiger bells" on short links. All chains move completely freely, and the bells still ring. The raw, coarse finish and hand-slit apertures on the bells showcase true lost-wax/sand-casting methods.
Dimensions & Display
- Condition: Loose items. They will ship inside a premium wooden display box lined with mounting pins, though they lift out effortlessly for handling.
Can anyone point me in a direction to have someone help me understand what we have. Thank you in advance.
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