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Hinolgat

LOCAL NAME:

Hinolgat

ENGLISH NAME:

Double-barbed spear

DESCRIPTION:

Ifugao: Hinolgat
A spear from the Cordillera region features a double-barbed metal blade, a protective metal tip for the shaft's foot, a wooden shaft adorned with hexagonal designs, and a rattan piece beneath the cylindrical metal that secures the blade and shaft in place.

COMMONLY USED BY/IN:

Ifugao

MATERIAL COMPOSITION:

Metal, Rattan, Wood

ITEM CONSTRUCTION:

Metal forging, Woodcarving, Wickerwork, Wood engraving

DIMENSIONS:

Blade
Length: 28.5 cm

Handle
Body length: 115.5 cm
Metal tip’s length: 16.5 cm

ACQUISITION YEAR:

2021

RESEARCH DATA:

Hinolgat is the Ifugao term for this particular spear with two pairs of barbs. The shape of the barbs indicates that it was specifically designed and used for hunting animals (Ubaldo, 2016). Similar spears, such as the sinalawitan of the Bontok in Mountain Province, are also found among other Cordilleran groups. Sinalawitan is not usually employed in war or combat (Sagud, 2022), instead, it is used as a talisman to scare or ward off malevolent spirits (National Museum of the Philippines, 2021; Maramba, 1998).


In the past, wielding a spear was taught to boys to familiarize and prepare them for moments when they have to hunt, engage in wars or feuds or travel (Ubaldo, 2016). Spears are considered an important heirloom for the Cordillerans in Northern Luzon and used in ceremonial peace-pact rituals among others.

REFERENCES:

National Museum of the Philippines. (2021). Ethnology: Weapons, shields, and armors. https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/our-collections/ethnology/weapons-and-shields/

Ubaldo, L. R. C. (2016). Mun-udi: Ang panday na Ifugao bilang tagapag-ingat ng taal na kaalaman. University of the Philippines Baguio. Cordillera Studies Center. on of Primitive Weapons and Armor of the Philippine Islands in the United States National Museum. Smithsonian Institution, Government Printing Office. Washington, D.C.

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