Okirred Kampilan With Luks

[archer]

A few Years back, I asked Members privately their opinion of this kampilan and at least one had seen others like it. I'd like to pose that question again adding a request for any information you may have about it?

There is a good chance its made up purely as a tourist item. It's puzzling though that someone went to the added expense of okir and made a nearly one of a kind blade shape. The handle is a replacement and still a work in progress with pencil marks indicating where further carving was intended. Was this ceremonial ? Was it made with a much nicer handle originally? To date, I've not seen another on the net. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Rick]

Post 1930 ; possibly even 1950's ; nice work most likely from Mindanao .
I have the matching kris . ;)

[Ian]

Agree with Rick. This type of okir engraving/chiseling on the kris blade seems to be mainly Maranao work from the Lake Lanao region, so I would guess that the kampilan has a similar origin. Second half of the 20th C., perhaps a little earlier.

I doubt that the kampilan would have any martial advantage with a few luk towards the hilt. The striking area for a kampilan is the distal third, towards the tip, and any luk near the hilt would not likely come into play with respect to striking or cutting. I think the luk are there for a decorative purpose, perhaps to enhance sales to foreigners who like exotic looking weapons.

Ian.