Philippine Igorot Falfeg Spear With Socket Tip and Spiked Metal Base

Period: Late 19th – early 20th century Origin: Cordillera Central, Northern Luzon, Philippines Primary use among Bontok highland communities (Mountain Province areas) Provenance: Ex-private USA collection Materials: Hand-forged iron single-barbed spearhead with socketed base, traditional woven rattan ferrule reinforcement at the socket joint, tropical dark hardwood shaft, and spiked conical iron butt cap.

Description & Features A fine and authentic example of the classic Bontok war spear known as “falfeg” – the archetypal fighting and hunting spear of the Bontoc Igorot, renowned for its practical lethality and everyday utility in the rugged Cordillera highlands.

• Broad leaf-shaped iron blade with a single prominent pair of symmetrical, opposing barbs for maximum wounding effect
• Socketed spearhead construction securely joined to the shaft
• Reinforced socket area with traditional woven rattan ferrule binding
• Long, robust cylindrical hardwood shaft with deep, rich patina from extensive generational use
• Spiked conical iron butt cap providing a sharp secondary point – ideal for planting the spear upright in rice terraces during fieldwork, as a sturdy walking staff on steep trails, or as an emergency close-quarters weapon
• Total length approx. 185-195 cm (imposing full warrior size)
• Excellent balance and substantial yet manageable weight

Cultural Significance The falfeg is the most iconic and frequently used spear type among the Bontok, prized in ethnographic accounts for its devastating barbs that made extraction difficult and wounds severe in combat or hunting. Favored by warriors for intertribal conflicts and earlier headhunting practices, it also symbolized strength and status when carried on journeys or in ceremonies. Multi-functional by design, it served daily life in the mountains: staked in the ground beside terraced fields or used to support heavy loads on treacherous paths. This socketed example with spiked metal base represents the standard, highly functional form – more practical for warfare than the rarer multi-barbed sinalawitan (valued primarily for spiritual protection) or barbless variants.

Condition Excellent honest antique condition for a genuine ethnographic artifact of this age and provenance. Clear evidence of heavy traditional use with no repairs or restoration. Rich dark patina overall, natural age cracks and minor shrinkage in the wood, light surface wear, minor nicks to blade edges and barbs – all enhancing its authentic highland character. A striking, well-preserved, and collectible example for serious collectors of Philippine indigenous material culture, Southeast Asian ethnographic weapons, or Oceanic tribal art. Only the falfeg spear is for sale; other items in photos are display props.