Bontoc/Kalinga Warrior Wood Shield (Kalasag)

Description

Bontoc/Kalinga Warrior Wood Shield (Kalasag) — an authentic vintage military weapon/artifact from the Shields (Kalasag) collection. Part of the Philippine Tribal Arts catalog (Militaria & Weapons / Shields (Kalasag)). Photographed from multiple angles (4 photos available) — condition and provenance details to be confirmed by seller.

History & Background:
19th century to early 20th century Bontoc Igorot warrior wood shield locally known as "kalasag" or "kalasay," showing genuine battle use and an authentic aged patina. Shields are universally made and used by the Igorot; they are made by the men of each pueblo and were seldom bought or sold. They are cut from a single piece of wood, generally light, with the hand grip cut directly into the solid timber, made for the left hand, accommodating only three fingers so the thumb and little finger remain free to angle the shield and glance a spear blow. Within Bontoc Province there are several distinct shield patterns tied to different culture areas. The Bontoc-style shield is usually about 3 feet long and 1 foot wide, blackened with soot; the upper "chief" of the shield is cut leaving three projecting points, the lower "base" leaving two, with a strengthening lace of bejuco (rattan) across both ends passing through perforations from front to back. Shields are seldom bought or sold outside the pueblo, which makes surviving examples like this one especially significant. Excerpted background: "The Bontoc Igorot" by Albert Jenks.