Intimidating, detailed, and steeped in history are the hilts of the Talibong. The intricate carvings and decorations seen in the handles of these blades reflect multiple influences and a world view that draws a close connection between the individual and the environment.
Most of the documented artisans who carve the hilt and sheaths of the Talibong are farmers who have learned the skill and knowledge of carving these pieces from their grandfathers, fathers, and uncles. From these clans of artisans come the various patterns and designs, which are observed and carried on by the younger generations.
The craftsmen use a number of simple tools in carving, which include an ordinary bolo, a sharp knife, and a chisel. Wood from Narra (๐๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ค๐ข๐ณ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ด ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ช๐ค๐ถ๐ด), Jackfruit (๐๐ณ๐ต๐ฐ๐ค๐ข๐ณ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ด ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐บ๐ญ๐ญ๐ถ๐ด), and Santol (๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ช๐ค๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ฆ๐ต๐ซ๐ข๐ฑ๐ฆ) are the raw materials usually used for making the hilt. Another preferred material is the horn of the Carabao (๐๐ถ๐ฃ๐ข๐ญ๐ถ๐ด ๐ฃ๐ถ๐ฃ๐ข๐ญ๐ช๐ด) which should be at least 15 years old, as younger Carabaoโs horns have larger hollow cavities.
Traditional designs seen in antique samples of Talibong include the ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ข๐จ, a design characterized by a long curved horn that resembles the coconut rhinoceros beetle (๐๐ณ๐บ๐ต๐ฆ๐ด ๐ณ๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ค๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ด). Akeanons generally refer to beetles as bangag, hence the name of the design. Another design is the ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ช๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฏ, from the Akeanon word ๐ต๐ช๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฏ or the chickenโs stomach, which is distinguished by its signature hole at the pommel. A common figure from Visayan mythology found in some hilts is the giant serpent, ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ข๐ธ๐ข. Other hilt designs include the ๐๐ข๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฆ (python), ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐บ๐ข๐ฎ (dog), ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฐ (monkey), and ๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ถ๐ฌ๐ข๐บ (with 3 or 4 protruding horns).
Scholars who have studied these blades believe that some designs are influences from parts of Indianized-Southeast Asia, while other interpretations point out to the possibility that the humanoid figures are representations of deified ancestors.
See the photos of samples of Talibong hilt designs. Follow the #NationalMuseumPH to enjoy the #MuseumFromHome. (Theodore Ricardo Bautista, UP Visayas Intern via National Museum of the Philippines-WV)
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