Philippine Kalinga Headhunter Axe

Description

A traditional Axe dating from 1880 to 1920. It has its original protective brass end cap which is decorated with bands of diamonds and circles. The handle is missing most of its copper bands, but it retains some of its decorated hammered sheet brass. The projection on the end of the axe head would be driven into the ground. The warrior would place his feet between the wood buttress and proceed to clean the victim's scalp by scrapping it across the axe head! Some related examples can be seen on page 288 of “A Glossary of Arms and Armor” by George Cameron Stone.

Origin: Philippines, N. Luzon, Kalinga Tribe