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Head Axe
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
This iron blade belongs to a Bontoc head axe, a northern Luzon weapon known for its heavy, compact form. The broad, triangular cutting surface, long, tapering rear spike, and short lower tang built to slot into a wooden shaft are all characteristic of northern Luzon. The shaft includes a protruding “thorn” or finger stop that provided a secure grip.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineHead Axe, before 1922. Philippines, Northern Luzon, typical of Bontoc Province. Blade: metal; handle: wood; handle: 45.2 cm (17 13/16 in.); blade: 29.3 x 10.8 cm (11 9/16 x 4 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Donahey, 1922.29
