spear-and-ax-men

Updated: May 14, 2025

For it seems to be believed in Luzon that bow-and-arrow savages are more dangerous than spear-and-ax-men; that the use of this projectile weapon, the arrow, induces craftiness, hard to contend against. An Ilongot can silently shoot you in the back, after you have passed. A spear-man has to get closer, and can not use an ambush so readily.

Cornélis de Witt Willcox - The Head Hunters of Northern Luzon