Bontoc Axe

Antique Bontoc axe from the Cordillera region in Luzon, North Philippines dating from the end of 19th century.

Strong steel blade with rough finish attached to the wood handle with an iron collar. The blade varies in thickness with different tapers as did the real antique ones. The handle is simple and short a typical feature of the Bontoc but strong and never had a metal piece in the bottom. These tough axes were used for both warfare and daily work.
 

The axe is 40 cm long and 25,5 cm wide from tip to tip of the blade.

Condition: Good despite its hard life. The blade has pitting, rust spots and some movement something usual for an axe of this age, the wood shrunks with the time. The handle has some age cracks that don't affect its integrity and the iron collar and the handle are tight and firm.

A simple but genuine Bontoc axe with great patina from the old days of headhunting.