Kalasag

The Kalasag (sometimes also called a "karasak") is a rectangular shield indigenous to the Philippines. The shield is made of fine-grained wood and is decorated with elaborate carvings. [cite book|last=New York Academy of Sciences, Synergy (Online service)|title=Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences|publisher=New York Academy of Sciences|date=1917|pages=236|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=EG0bAAAAMAAJ&q=kalasag&dq=kalasag&lr=&pgis=1] The wood comes from native trees such as the "dapdap", "polay" and "sablang". [cite book|last=Dozier|first=Edward P.|title=Mountain Arbiters: The Changing Life of a Philippine Hill People|publisher=University of Arizona Press|date=1966|pages=131|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=d1keAAAAMAAJ&q=kalasag&dq=kalasag&lr=&pgis=1|accessdate=2008-08-11] The Visayan version of the shield is widely used in raids. The shield is measured at 0.5 by 1.5 meters, which provides ample protection. The shield light and fibrous composition is used to ensnare daggers and spears. Its face is composed of rattan which is stregthened by the application of resin. [cite book|last=Junker|first=Laura Lee|title=Raiding, Trading, and Feasting|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|date=1999|pages=352|isbn=9780824820350|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yO2yG0nxTtsC&pg=PA352&dq=kalasag&lr=&sig=ACfU3U0m3Y106xcLwh7bxjQqaJF6ghhADQ|accessdate=2008-08-11] It was widely used in pre-colonial times and is still used by various indigenous tribes today. Its shape is commonly used as part of martially themed crests, most notably that of the Philippine National Police.

Sources

Sarangani is Gawad KALASAG national winner [http://www.pia.gov.ph/Default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080801.htm&no=37]