RESEARCH DATA:

The Ifugao people use various terms to refer to bolos, such as hangap and hinalung (in Tuwali and Kalanguya languages), pinahig and pihlit/pehlet (in Tuwali language), and uwah (in Kalanguya language) (Ubaldo, 2016).


This bolo-scabbard-belt set is referred to as the ginuttu ensemble. It is primarily composed of a bolo made with metal blade and rattan-covered handle, a wooden scabbard called bariges or portaitak, and the ginuttu belt. While this artifact is of unknown provenance, and probably from Ifugao, a similar belt is found in Bauko, Mountain Province. The belt alone is considered as one of the most highly prized heirlooms used only by the kadangyan, an affluent class in traditional Ifugao society. This ensemble is commonly used during and after the rank's elevation of boys (boys turning into a members of the kadangyan class). It was also used in limited festive occasions such as funeral rites, successful headhunting raid dances, marriages, and feasts (cañaos) (Maramba, 1998).


The bolo's handle is wrapped in intricate wickerwork made of rattan, with its blade inserted into a wooden scabbard similar to the portaitak. The key difference is that the portaitak features a half-scabbard that exposes the blade, whereas the scabbard in this collection fully covers the blade.

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