Authentic Kalinga - Bontoc Igorot Warrior Wood Shield "Kalasag"

$800.00

Origin: Philippines, Northern Luzon, Bontoc Igorot Tribe.

Provenance: Mr. Albert Geronill, Baguio City. Albert is one of Mr. Hirofumi Kobayashi's Artifact supplier and friend.

Description: 19th Century to early 20th century Bontoc Igorot Warrior Wood Shield Locally known as "kalasag" or "Kalasay". Made from an old quality hardwood, It weighs 1.2kg as the result of wood drying over the years. Still in very good condition, had some small cuts in the sides, bottom and lower projections and several nails are embedded into it ( shown in the picture ). The wood shield shows battle use. Authentic very nice patina.

Dimensions: H - 33" ; W - 11.8" ; Thickness of wood 0.5" - 0.6". Depth from back to front - 3.4"

According to Albert this item came from Tulgao Kalinga. It was bartered for just a couple of cooking utensils on 1980's, Because of its design which heavily entails Bontoc it was assumed that this shield was a captured one from a Bontoc Igorot Warrior.

Worldwide shipping fee: 70$

See very similar pictures of the item below captured about 1900's by Dean Worcester

Wooden Weapons - Excerpts from the book - The Bontoc Igorot by Albert Jenks - Free eBook here

Shields are universally made and used by the Igorot. They are made by the men of each pueblo, and are seldom bought or sold. They are cut from single pieces of wood, and are generally constructed of very light wood, though some are heavy. The hand grip is cut in the solid timber, is almost invariably made for the left hand, and will usually accommodate only three fingers—the thumb and little finger remaining outside the grip and free to press forward the upper and lower ends of the shield, respectively, slanting it to glance a blow of a spear.

Within the present boundary of Bontoc Province there are three distinct patterns of wooden shields in use in three quite distinct culture areas. There is still another shield immediately beyond the western border of the province but which is believed to be produced also in the Bontoc area.

First, is the shield of the Bontoc culture area. It is usually about 3 feet long and 1 foot wide, is blackened with a greasy soot, though now and again one in original wood is seen. The upper part or “chief” of the shield is cut, leaving three points projecting several inches above the solid field; the lower end or “base” is cut, leaving two points. Across both ends of the shield is a strengthening lace of bejuco, passing through perforations from front to back. The front surface of the shield is most prominent over the deep-cut hand grip at the boss or “fess point,” toward which a wing approaches on both the dexter and sinister sides of the front of the shield, being carved slightly on the field. This is the usual Bontoc shield, but some few have meaningless straight-line decorations cut in the field.

Item Pictures. Just click to enlarge