Aliwa (a)
LOCAL NAME:
Aliwa (a)
ENGLISH NAME:
Hand axe
DESCRIPTION:
Isnag, Apayao: Aliwa
An Isnag hand axe with a curved metal blade and a wooden handle.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Isnag, Apayao
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Metal, Wood
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Metal forging, Woodcarving
DIMENSIONS:
Blade
Length: 22 cm
Tip’s Length: 12 cm
Handle
Length: 33 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
Contrary to misconceptions and common generalizations, Cordillera hand axes are not solely tied to, nor were their main purposes to be used in head taking and warfare; traditional hand axes serve a wide variety of utilitarian functions. While associated with head taking and referred to as “head axes” by Mittersakschmoller (2009), Cordillera hand axes also have agricultural and domestic functions (Maramba, 1998). Specifically, they are used as tools for clearing fields, chopping wood, and even cutting hair (Whittington, 2009, as cited in Mittersakschmoller, 2009).
This hand axe from the collection, known as aliwa, originates specifically from the province of Apayao and is commonly used by Isnag men. Traditionally, it is a sign of high social status for the owner. The aliwa has a curved blade with an elongated tip or tail called pawit or sawit. Krieger (1962) refers to its shape as “concavo-convex” (i.e., forming a blade with a crescent-like shape). The convex part of the blade’s curve is the axe’s cutting edge. The aliwa is commonly attached to the side of its owner’s waist during travel.
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