The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 23, 2025

Roughly trapezoidal-shaped axe head, with the blade on the longest side and the non-parallel sides arching in. The blade side extends to a point on one end while, on the other end, it is double the length, narrowing to a squared off edge. On the opposite side, a rectangle juts out from one corner. The blade has striated silver undertones tarnished with blotchy black.

Head Axe

before 1922

Philippines

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.)
Gift of J. H. Donahey 1922.29
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Though designed for severing a head, this hatchet also served utilitarian purposes, such as climbing.

Description

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.
  • ?–1922
    Mr. J. H. [James Harrison] Donahey [1875–1949], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1922–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Head Axe|url=false|author=|year=before 1922|access-date=23 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1922.29