The "Aliguyon" Hinalung
"Aliguyon" is my rendition of the most recognizable Ifugao traditional blade, the "Hinalung". The hinalung is a versatile weapon used by the brave warriors of the Cordilleran regions.
This blade is used as a weapon or for different utilitarian purposes for this blade profile can work well for stabbing or trusting as well as slicing and chopping.
The traditional hinalung blade has a symmetrical double-edged leaf-shaped blade profile and a handle wrapped in woven rattan bands.
The hinalung specifically the narrower "Pinulyu" profile resembles a dagger or a spearhead where in some accounts, it is said that a hinalung blade can also be mounted as a spear point to a long wooden shaft through its integral socket handle as the Ifugao warriors are equally skillful wielders of the spear as well as axes and different types of daggers and machetes.
The name it carries was inspired by the Ifugao epic hero "Aliguyon" from a renowned epic "Hudhud hi Aliguyon", originating from the Ifugao province.
The epic describes Aliguyon as a young warrior who has extraordinary warfare skills, speed, and stamina and has never been defeated in a battle. Aliguyon according to the epic uses a spear as his primary weapon and is extremely skillful in wielding it on the battlefield.
This project is my rendition of this majestic weapon from the Ifugao, forged from a leaf spring, this double-edged knife with a 13cm blade and an overall length of 28 cm features a hilt with century-old Narra wood bound with rattan in the socket handle which holds a sculpted wooden miniature "Minahu" or "Hipag".
The "Minahu" or "Hipag" is an image believed in Ifugao culture to be the representation of the ferocious spirit of war which the Ifugao warriors invoke to give them strength and courage, or can be used also to weaken the enemy during war expeditions or in the battlefield.
According to Igorot elders, a "Minahu" or "Hipag" are kept as an amulet that is passed on to the eldest sons of the family to serve as their protection and may also possess shamanic powers with the help of powerful Ifugao shamans or "Mumbaki" rituals.
The primary objective of the "Aliguyon" hinalung project is to understand, learn and appreciate more the art and skills of our master smith brothers from the north and to pay tribute to the courageous warrior brothers of the Cordillera, with world-renowned warfare skills, craftsmanship, and rich culture in the perfect balance of honor, mystery, and respect for all living beings.