Show us your bankung

[DaveS]

Here for viewing is a moro banking. This is the only one I have ever run across in years of collecting moro stuff. according to Cato it is one of the rarest of the moro swords. 20 inch laminated blade with a wood handle and cockatoo pommel. Does anyone own a bankung that they could post some pictures here?.........Dave.

[Robert]

Hello Dave, Very nice bankung. This is the first one that I think I have ever seen with a cockatoo pommel. As I am still looking for one of these to add to my own collection unfortunately I have no photos to share. I know others here on the forum have posted theirs in the past so I too am looking forward to see how many of those as well as new ones will get posted here. My congratulations to you on acquiring this very interesting example.

Best,
Robert

P.S.
Where do you keep coming up with all these new toys from. :confused:

[DaveS]

Hello Dave, Very nice bankung. This is the first one that I think I have ever seen with a cockatoo pommel. As I am still looking for one of these to add to my own collection unfortunately I have no photos to share. I know others here on the forum have posted theirs in the past so I too am looking forward to see how many of those as well as new ones will get posted here. My congratulations to you on acquiring this very interesting example.

Best,
Robert

P.S.
Where do you keep coming up with all these new toys from. :confused:
Robert: Almost all these toys are "old" ones. Iv'e not bought anything new for a couple of years. I think the last thing I bought was off of ebay from Rsword, a nice moro kris..........Dave.

[Nonoy Tan]

Here is a specimen.
[IMG]

[kai]

Hello Nonoy,

Yup, this sold recently: Good blade and a cracked hilt that can probably be fixed with some care.

BTW, am I the only one to believe this basket scabbard is a later non-Moro replacement? All other scabbard examples I saw were typical Sulu or Palawan types.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Dave,

20 inch laminated blade with a wood handle and cockatoo pommel.
Thanks for posting yours - this is certainly special! The slim blade profile is quite unique!


I'm attaching a pic of my bangkung (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11431) and hope others will do, too.

Regards,
Kai

[DaveS]

Hello Dave,


Thanks for posting yours - this is certainly special! The slim blade profile is quite unique!


I'm attaching a pic of my bangkung (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11431) and hope others will do, too.

Regards,
Kai
Hello Kai: Very nice bankung. Looks like it has a short sharpened back edge. Both bankungs that have been posted have basically what could be considered as a horse-hoof style pommel. Besides mine, the only other cockatoo type is the one in Catos book. I don't know if that one was his or not. Apparently, cockatoo style seems to less common........Dave.

[kino]

Here's mine. I've posted this awhile back.
OAL 22.5 in. Blade 16"

I know where Kai's Bankung is hiding!

[DaveS]

Here's mine. I've posted this awhile back.
OAL 22.5 in. Blade 16"

I know where Kai's Bankung is hiding!
Hey Albert: Another nice bankung They seem to be coming out of the woodwork. This one has the same style pommel as the ivory one that you got a while back. Apparently, there seems to be no real set handle type for this kind of sword............Dave.

[Nonoy Tan]

Hi Kai,

I am not familiar with the origin of the scabbard, but assume that it was likely not rare nor special at that time. This "bangkung" was likely a farm or chopping tool and perhaps did not need an elaborate scabbard in the first place.

I am not sure if it would be appropriate to classify the scabbard as "moro" or "non-moro."

Here is a photo from Krieger's 1926 work. The basketry on the left is attributed to Basilan of the Sulu Archipelago.

Nonoy

[VANDOO]

BANGKUNG IS IT A MORO SWORD THAT INFLUENCED THE BAGOBO/TIBOLI SWORDS OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND. :confused: THE BLADE FORM IS VERY SIMULAR ON MANY EXAMPLES. HERE ARE PICTURES OF SEVERAL VARIATIONS, TWO EVEN HAVE A CROOKED BLADE WITH BASIC BANKUNG FORM, IS THERE A NAME FOR THIS SWORD? PICTURES
#1.,#2. & #3. A LONG BANGKUNG MANTERIS HAD. IT WAS AT LEAST 25IN. LONG. AND HAD GOOD PATINA AND WAS IN PERFECT SHAPE.
#4., #5., #6, & #7. SAID TO BE PALAWAN, TAQBANUA TRIBE
#8. & #9. TWO EXAMPLES OF THE UNUSUAL BENT BLADED SWORD.
#10. BAGOBO/ TIBOLI SWORDS, WITH BANGKUNG LIKE BLADES.

[imas560]

Hello all,
Here's mine.
OAL 27.5"/700mm

[CharlesS]

Here are my examples. Technically the top example is NOT a bangkung, but certainly serves the same function. That shorter one is surprisingly heavier than either of the larger examples shown.

The scabbards on the top and middle one are new.

[CharlesS]

Kino,

I think your example is, from top to bottom, the finest example I have seen of a bangkung. The lovely blade, along with the extraordinary hilt and pommel make it quite a fine piece.

The thickened reinforcement at the forte reminds me of many Indonesian klewang styles I have seen. Wonder if there has to be some influence there?

[CharlesS]

Hi Kai,

I am not familiar with the origin of the scabbard, but assume that it was likely not rare nor special at that time. This "bangkung" was likely a farm or chopping tool and perhaps did not need an elaborate scabbard in the first place.

I am not sure if it would be appropriate to classify the scabbard as "moro" or "non-moro."

Here is a photo from Krieger's 1926 work. The basketry on the left is attributed to Basilan of the Sulu Archipelago.

Nonoy

Nonoy,

The fact the Krieger is specific enough to call these "bolo" cases at least makes it a strong possibility that your example's blade and scabbard were, even if not born together(and they may have been), at least likely together for a very long time.

If only he had included an example of a "bolo" with them it would really give us a more decisive answer.

[cicak_cobing]

i never knew that there was a moro version of bangkung..
it's good to learn new stuff.. :)

[VVV]

Nice to see all the variations of the Bangkung in one place.
Perhaps the last one, without a scabbard, once was as nice as Kino's?

Michael

[Sajen]

Some very nice bankung, thank's to all for showing! :)

[kino]

Thanks for the kind words.
Day one in my possession, the bangkung was covered with rust and was pitted.
With a lot of help from a knife maker we got the blade to its current state.

Now here's a hybrid (wish it were mine), is it a BANGRIS or a KRIKUNG. No matter what it's called, I call it beautiful.

If the owner is a forum member, post some photos will ya!

[CharlesS]

Thanks for the kind words.
Day one in my possession, the bangkung was covered with rust and was pitted.
With a lot of help from a knife maker we got the blade to its current state.

Now here's a hybrid (wish it were mine), is it a BANGRIS or a KRIKUNG. No matter what it's called, I call it beautiful.

If the owner is a forum member, post some photos will ya!


Kino,

I have seen this piece and it is much smaller than an average kangkung. It does not have that kind of weight. I believed it was exclusively a status piece. And, no...it is not mine.

[Gustav]

Now here's a hybrid (wish it were mine), is it a BANGRIS or a KRIKUNG. No matter what it's called, I call it beautiful.



A BANGRIS from Holstein's work. Twistcore :eek:

The back edge is quite long.

[kai]

Hello Gustav,

I'd posit that this is a shandigris (with backedge)... ;)

(This looks more like a barung-like blade for slashing rather than the chopping action most bangkung blades are optimized for.)

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Charles,

I have seen this piece and it is much smaller than an average kangkung. It does not have that kind of weight. I believed it was exclusively a status piece.
It's certainly a really odd one, especially with that Chinese dragon on the hilt!

BTW, here's Artzi's description (http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5653) of the blade: "The blade is heavy, 20 inches long, single edged and hollow ground. It is forged from fine laminated steel."

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

One more weird example (http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=3779) - Moro?

I've seen a similar pommel on a kris that may be Sulu; both seem pretty roughly carved which is unusual, even for more recent pieces...

Regards,
Kai

[CharlesS]

Hello Charles,


It's certainly a really odd one, especially with that Chinese dragon on the hilt!

BTW, here's Artzi's description (http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5653) of the blade: "The blade is heavy, 20 inches long, single edged and hollow ground. It is forged from fine laminated steel."

Regards,
Kai


Kai,

The blade on Artzi's sword was not as wide as a traditional bangkung, especially with the unusual, somewhat extreme, narrowing at the forte. Nor did it have as thick of a spine as a traditional bangkung. It certainly didn't strike me as a utilitarian sword.

[Spunjer]

here's mine.

[Spunjer]

Kino,

I have seen this piece and it is much smaller than an average kangkung. It does not have that kind of weight. I believed it was exclusively a status piece. And, no...it is not mine.
lol, i'm pretty sure this was a typo, charles coz i know you're not referring to the water spinach:
http://mydestiny2011.org/wp-content/uploads/kangkung.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangkung

so now you're making me crave for kangkung and not a place to buy the darn thing around here, lol :D :D :D

[VVV]

I also handled Artzi's strange sword when in Baltimore and agree with Charles.
It's much to light and slim to be either a bangkris or a krikung.
Here is an example of a "typical" bangkris.

Kai, I think there already is a thread somewhere on my strange sword from Artzi that you reposted.

Michael

[kino]

lol, i'm pretty sure this was a typo, charles coz i know you're not referring to the water spinach:
http://mydestiny2011.org/wp-content/uploads/kangkung.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangkung

so now you're making me crave for kangkung and not a place to buy the darn thing around here, lol :D :D :D

LOL! I got a packet of Sinigang Soup Mix to go with that kangkung, if you ever find some.

[CharlesS]

lol, i'm pretty sure this was a typo, charles coz i know you're not referring to the water spinach:
http://mydestiny2011.org/wp-content/uploads/kangkung.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangkung

so now you're making me crave for kangkung and not a place to buy the darn thing around here, lol :D :D :D


Ha!

Yes Ron, it was a typo and I'm a bad boy being a teacher who doesn't proofread! The time limit has elapsed for me to edit it. Thank God my students would never likely come near this site...they would love to catch me in any error!
:eek:

[CharlesS]

I also handled Artzi's strange sword when in Baltimore and agree with Charles.
It's much to light and slim to be either a bangkris or a krikung.
Here is an example of a "typical" bangkris.

Kai, I think there already is a thread somewhere on my strange sword from Artzi that you reposted.

Michael

That is one odd and awesome piece Michael. Is that as good a cleaver as it looks, or is it a little odd to handle?

[VVV]

Which one of them?

The bangkris is a bit top heavy but OK for a good blow.
The Mindanao cleaver is not so well balanced (maybe because my hands don't fit the handle very well?).

Michael

[Spunjer]

LOL! I got a packet of Sinigang Soup Mix to go with that kangkung, if you ever find some.
haha, there's Bagoong (not Bangkung) available here, but no Kangkung

dunno if rick still has it, but he brought a pedangkris last feb. at the show. would be nice if he can post a pic of it...

[Battara]

Ron I was wondering, is your bangkung (not kangkung) from Palawan? The style of carving and blade look like it to me.

BTW - I do love spinach! :D

[Battara]

Oh yes, Kino, I love your bangkung (not spinach) and I enjoyed working on it. :D

[Cthulhu]

Some amazing bangkung in this thread. Beautiful examples, all.

Here's mine. The blade's quite pitted, but I suppose that's why I could afford it.

[Sajen]

Some amazing bangkung in this thread. Beautiful examples, all.

Here's mine. The blade's quite pitted, but I suppose that's why I could afford it.


Hello Cthulhu,

nice complete example also when the blade is pitted, would be glad when I have such an example!

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

lol, i'm pretty sure this was a typo, charles coz i know you're not referring to the water spinach:
http://mydestiny2011.org/wp-content/uploads/kangkung.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangkung

so now you're making me crave for kangkung and not a place to buy the darn thing around here, lol :D :D :D


I love this vegetable also, my wife is used to cook it with chilli and you can get it here in Germany in asia shops. :)

[DaveA]

Here are my examples. Technically the top example is NOT a bangkung, but certainly serves the same function. That shorter one is surprisingly heavier than either of the larger examples shown.

The scabbards on the top and middle one are new.

Charles, if the top example is emphatically not a bangkung, what is it? Here is one I acquired today, identified by the seller as a "banyal". There is strong resemblance in blade and scabbard, although your hilt is much nicer.

- Dave A.

[blue lander]

Here's my bankung. It's brand new. It's about as utilitarian as it comes. I intend to use it to clear brush in my back yard.

[Ian]

Hi Blue Lander:

The hilt and scabbard look Visayan on your new one. Does it have a chisel-edge or V-edge?

Ian.

[blue lander]

Chisel edged. The skin wrapped around the throat is goat supposedly. I think the rattan is actually plastic. It doesn't feel natural.

[Sajen]

Here's my bankung. It's brand new. It's about as utilitarian as it comes. I intend to use it to clear brush in my back yard.

Agree with Ian, Visayan Binangon. :)

[blue lander]

Good to know. I haven't given it any serious use yet but I'm not impressed with the fit and finish. The scale covered parts of the blade has some very deep pitting on it, some look like they might affect the structural integrity. It's also very top heavy and clumsy feeling.

[CharlesS]

Here's another bangkung, I am guessing from Maguindanao, based on the hilt style. It almost looks Visayan but for the grip ferrules and corded wrap. The blade is pattern welded. The scabbard is original and simply held together by only wooden pegs. There was never any rattan.

Dimensions:

Overall length: 27in.
Blade length: 20.5in.
Blade's widest point: 1.75in.

[Battara]

Well Charles, this is a variant I have not seen. Also rare to have the total scabbard like this.

Very nice example - thanks for posting.

[Sajen]

Agree with Jose, very nice! Is it the one I've seen by epray? When yes; what a transformation with some maintenance! :) Congrats!

Regards,
Detlef

[Spunjer]

a very nice example, Charles! i'm with you that this particular piece is Mindanaoan; like you said Maguindanao.
it has a very strong Lumad flavor to it... similar to a T'boli Kefilan

[Maurice]

That is a one of a kind sword Charles! Thank you for posting this one.

[CharlesS]

Thanks for the input guys. Glad to hear there is agreement on its geographical origin; always nice to hear that others see the same unique features that I do.

Detlef...yes, from Ebay, and YES, and lot of work and time consuming restoration, but nothing is better than making an old neglected, filthy and lightly damaged piece come back to life!!! :)

[Sajen]

Detlef...yes, from Ebay, and YES, and lot of work and time consuming restoration, but nothing is better than making an old neglected, filthy and lightly damaged piece come back to life!!! :)

Agree complete with you Charles, at least for me it's one of the importants points of my collecting dependence! :D

Hope you don't mind when I post two pictures from the seller to show which transformation this great sword has received! ;)

Regards,
Detlef

[kino]

Adding a Bangkung to this thread.

An old Bangkung which I initially thought was made for a child. The hilts portion that is wire wrapped is only less than 3.5in. I now believe that due to its age, construction and materials used, that its was made for a small adult.

There has been some old repair work done to the pommel. The area where the Kakatua's crest, has a matching piece of wood inserted and a dowel pinned to secure it.

Last photo show a size comparison to a kris.

[Ian]

Here are two of mine. The top one is a small bangkung, similar to the one posted by kino, in a mid-20th C. scabbard.

The second one is larger and was exhibited in the Macau Museum of Art's "History of Steel Exhibition" in 2006.

Ian.

[Hefezola]

Sharing mine

[Cthulhu]

Interesting piece, Hefezola. The way the scabbard is held together is unusual to my eye; I've seen many instances of wrapping all the way around the sheath, but not around little inset areas. But it gives a lot more space to show off the carving, that's for sure.

It's a little hard to get an overall impression of the item without a photo showing the whole thing at once, can you post one?

[Hefezola]

Interesting piece, Hefezola. The way the scabbard is held together is unusual to my eye; I've seen many instances of wrapping all the way around the sheath, but not around little inset areas. But it gives a lot more space to show off the carving, that's for sure.

It's a little hard to get an overall impression of the item without a photo showing the whole thing at once, can you post one?

Will send more pictures soon

[Sajen]

Just bought my first bangkung, funnily in Germany. Better pictures follow soon when I have received it. 67 cm long.
Comments are welcome! ;)

[drac2k]

Very nice Sajen! Did the tag have a collection number on it or any other information?

[Sajen]

Very nice Sajen! Did the tag have a collection number on it or any other information?

Thank you Drac2k, no, sadly the tag was partly missing and nothing from the original inscription was present when I received the sword so I have removed the old tag. Remaining is sadly only a discoloration in the wood. :o

Regards,
Detlef