# Head Axe

- Date: before 1922
- Medium: Blade: metal; handle: wood
- Classification: Arms and Armor
- Dimensions: Handle: 45.2 cm (17 13/16 in.); Blade: 29.3 x 10.8 cm (11 9/16 x 4 1/4 in.)
- Culture: Philippines, Northern Luzon, typical of Bontoc Province
- Credit line: Gift of J. H. Donahey
- Museum: [Cleveland Museum of Art](https://clevelandart.org/art/1922.29)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://openaccess-cdn.clevelandart.org/1922.29/1922.29_web.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

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.