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Description

A fascinating folk art map of the Philippines, carved on a large bamboo shaft, fashioned in the manner of a letter- or map-carrying tube, with carved map of the Philippines and regimental insignia.

Pictorial elements include several airplanes and a ship with a Japanese flag.

The map would seem to have been made by either and American Soldier stationed in the Philippines during or immediately after World War II. The unit insignia appears at the top of the tube (double cross on a crest).

There are two cities on Mindanao identified, Zamboanga and Davao. It would seem likely that the creator of the tube saw action in Mindanao during the liberation of the Philippines, given the images depicted and the inclusion of the two cities.

Zamboanga

When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, they were headed by Vice Admiral Rokuzo Sugiyama, accompanied by Rear Admiral Naosaburo Irifune. The Japanese landed at Zamboanga City on March 2, 1942. The Japanese government in the city was overthrown by American and Filipino forces following a fierce battle on March 10-12, 1945. The rebuilt general headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary was stationed in Zamboanga City from March 13, 1945 to June 30, 1946 during the military operations in Mindanao and Sulu against the Japanese.

Davao

On December 8, 1941, Japanese planes bombed the harbor and from December 20, 1941 landed forces and began an occupation of the city which lasted to 1945. The city was subjected to extensive bombing by forces led by Douglas MacArthur before American forces landed in Leyte in October 1944. The Battle of Davao towards the end of World War II was one of longest and bloodiest battles during the Philippine Liberation.

Condition Description
Large bamboo shaft.