Knife (Pinahig)

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-knives

Culture Ifugao

Date20th Century

Made AtIfugao Province, Philippines, Asia

MediumSteel, wood, bamboo, and plant fiber

DimensionsKnife measured together with sheath, not including string: 19 5/16 × 2 3/8 × 1 3/4 in., 16 oz. (49.1 × 6 × 4.4 cm, 0.454 kg.)
knife: 14 1/4 × 1 11/16 × 1 in. (36.2 × 4.3 × 2.5 cm)
sheath: 14 5/8 × 2 1/8 × 1 3/4 in. (37.1 × 5.4 × 4.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2017.11.3a,b

DescriptionThis knife was made and used by the Ifugao people residing in the mountainous region of Luzon Island in the Philippines. The Ifugao make three styles of knife; this one is characterized by a one-sided, curving blade made from laminated steel. The handle is not always made of wood, but when it is, the wood is covered in woven rattan to prevent it from cracking. Here the handle is further decorated with a carved anthropomorphic figure crossing its arms.

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