Thursday, November 14, 2013

Weapon Showcase

Admit it you didn’t expect that title.  I didn’t either frankly but it’s been…well, ugly outside…not bad temperatures…quite the contrary…it’s nice but the leaves are done outside…so it’s like a wasteland between fall and winter.  This made me think of current events…the Philippines comes to mind.  You may know my wife of eighteen years is a Filipino.  You also likely have heard of the tragic storm in the Philippines…the largest typhoon ever recorded.  We were relieved to hear our family survived but they lost everything…they have just the clothes on their backs…some don’t even have a pair of slippers.  Samaritan’s Purse and many others are part of relief efforts but who knows how long it will take and if things will ever function again…10,000 dead?  It’s a disaster of epic proportions.  I’ve been to the city that we have no been hearing but most of my time in Leyte was spent in other areas…some of the most memorable missionary journeys I’ve had in my life have been there.  This hits very close to home. 

What has all this to do with my title?  I’m an avid weapon collector and some of the best I’ve ever found has been in the Philippines.  Most I’ve found have been in little shops in Davao City where much of our family lives.  This is one of my most prizedDSC02880 .  The scabbard alone made this a must have for me.  Note the tiny bells on itDSC02881.  It also has wonderful beadwork and horse hairDSC02882.  The hilt is carved woodDSC02883.  The blade is razor sharp and quite functionalDSC02884.  Another point of interest is the detailing on the blade itselfDSC02885.  I have been in a jungle or two where this would have been nice.  This other blade I’m showing to contrast style…this one is African, Ghanaian to be specificDSC02886.  I love Ghanaian leather workDSC02887.  The blade is also razor sharp and deadlyDSC02888.  Last another prized Filipino daggerDSC02889.  This one is mounted for the wall but it is covered with great detailDSC02890.  Horsehair and beadwork again adorn the scabbardDSC02891.  This blade is meant to be used in combat but for me it’s all about the artworkDSC02892.  Hope  you enjoyed a little glance at my collection.  Please remember the Philippines in prayer.  I can’t recommend Samaritan’s Purse enough if you desire to give.  Blessings to you all.

14 comments:

  1. Wow, Joe, that is quite a collection here! Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. It's been an amazing adventure getting it too. Thanks for checking it out!

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  2. These are amazing. A fascinating collection. I love the Filipino dagger.

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    1. Thanks my friend...ask Santa...maybe he'll put one under your tree ;)

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  3. Were some of those for ceremonial purposes?

    Nice stuff.

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    1. I don't think so John however they may have been decorated more in hopes a tourist would buy it...that said my sources were authentic enough and the shop was very small.

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  4. You have a very impressive collection Joe!

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    1. Thanks Beth, I've got many more but these are my favorites.

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  5. You having a such gorgeous of collection! I really enjoyed especially the ceremonial!
    Have a good weekend Joe!.

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    1. Thank you my friend! Have a blessed weekend as well.

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  6. An amazing collection Joe. You know my view on what happen in the Philippines...
    but
    off the coast of Vancouver and the Islands in the Strait of Georgia hundreds and hundreds of Dolfins were caught on film swimming and jumping out of the water . Something not see before . .That was about a week before typhoon hit and I though and maybe knew something was wrong with the earth somewhere , someplace .. Something to think about. That was a sight never seen before either. Nature has a way of telling us things we may not know.
    Enjoy your collection and again thanks for sharing.

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    1. That collection reminds me forcefully of the Philippines. Having been to Leyte and that very place many times just hits like a hammer. My wife has done well in the middle of it and I'm so grateful for her. What you're talking about reminds me of something called the butterfly effect...a butterfly moves it's wing in one place a hurricane happens in another.

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  7. What pieces of art these are. They must make for a nice display in your home. Glad to hear there were no losses in Lovely's family. With help they will build again. Seems that type of thing is spreading everywhere. Even here in the states so many of been hit in recent years and have to start all over again.

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    1. The Filipino weapons were real treasures to me for the craftsmanship in particular. It does make me think of The Philippines. So much lost...I honestly don't know how they'll snap back from this but if anyone can they will.

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