Head Axe

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The Kalinga axe of this particular shape and sharpness was the instrument of preference and tradition for taking heads. The axe shape is ergonomically shaped for slicing through bone and flesh quickly, facilitated by the axe’s center of gravity that brings it to move down when delivering the blow to the neck. The pointed tip is used to pick up the fallen head immediately after it falls. The Kalinga headhunter delivers his blow while on the run. He does not stop to kill, but continues his forward motion back to home village with as little pause as possible. The entire act of headhunting was entry into a trance-like state involving non-stop running to target and back home. The hunt is punitive. However it is of a vastly different order of action from other punitive expeditions of Filipinos of dominant language groups. The difference is in the embeddedness of the headhunt in indigenous (Austronesian) systems that constantly seek restoration equilibrium to balance reciprocation and exchange. In contrast, modern political contests that result in violent death are often embedded in conflicting versions of moral and social order.

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