Hand Carved Bolo Knife

AR_0003_03_0001

US Military

1897-1918

Florida A&M University Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum

Metal, Wood

Wooden Shaft L:13 1/2in x W: 2 1/2in, Knife L:16in x W:1 1/2in

Bolos are differentiated from other Filipino swords and bladed implements by their dual use as tools and weapons. They are characterized by a curved (usually convex) wide blade with pointed or blunt tips that narrow towards the hilt. Various types of bolos differ by ethnic group and purpose, ranging from large knives to short swords to specialized agricultural equipment. They had many uses, from hunting to scything grass, opening coconuts, harvesting crops, or clearing dense brush. Most bolos are cheap and unornamented, with the handle usually made from plain carabao horn or wood.

With origins shortly after the Spanish-American War, the bolo knife served US combat forces during World War II. Like many knives of its size, the bolo could cut through brush easily. Other uses included sharpening or cutting wooden tools, digging, and some medical procedures.

Spanish-American War, Blacks in the Military, African Americans in the Military, Republican Party, Buffalo Soldiers

War, Military Exercises

Benjamin French Collection

AR_0003

Courtesy of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives/ Benjamin French Collection

All rights reserved. The use of any part of these objects and photographs transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system without the prior written consent of Meek-Eaton Black Archives is an infringement of the copyright law.

Photo Rights and Courtesy Reserved to Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum. RIGHTS TO USE THESE IMAGES WITHOUT EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT LAWS AND INFRINGEMENT (c)2024

en On Display

Military Exhibit Hall