2 Moro Kampillans
 

Here are two Moro kampillans that I picked up recently. They could not be more different in appearance...one more plain and austere with a more common blade type, the other finely carved in great detail with a rarer blade and even rarer and more unusual scabbard.

The kampillan with the scabbard has a lovely hilt with no iron hand guards but with all rattan intact. Note the short "mouth". The blade is nicely laminated and features a more unusual tip. The scabbard type is not one typically seen with Philippine Moro kampillans, so I can't help but wonder if this one is from somewhere outside of the Phillipines.

The other kampillan has a massive, if plain, hilt. The wood quality of the hilt helps to make up for its lack of carving. The the cross guard is two tiered across its length, making it almost look broken. There is a crack to one side unassociated with that. There are two iron hand guards with the one to the right being a bit larger. The hair is original, and mostly intact. The grip is most interesting as it is standard braided cord across a piece of ray skin that has buckled with time and use.

Dimensions:

Kampillan with no scabbard overall length:39in.
Blade length: 29in.
Blade's widest point: 1.75in.
Blade at the forte: just over 1 in.

Kampillan with scabbard overall length: 38.5in.
Blade length: 28.75in.
Blade's widest point: just under 2in.
Blade at the forte:1.25in.

one more pic....

Hello Charles,

two very interesting kampilans! :) The one with the unusual mouth piece at the scabbard I've seen before and I am nearly sure that it was discussed here before, just found it, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...pilan+scabbard
When I would have had the money to this time it would be in my collection! ;)

Best regards,
Detlef

Hello Charles,

What is the thickness of both blades at the base?

Regards,
Kai

Hello Charles,

Both blades appear to be well worn from use and likely of Moro origin.

The carved example is certainly exceptional with interesting motifs. I believe this once had an iron hand guard, too. I'd guess the scabard is much more recent and possibly not Moro.

Regards,
Kai

Actually I still go with the North Borneo/Dayak origin for this intricately carved kampilan form. This was also discussed here:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/printthread.php?t=2820

The simpler hilted kampilan I would place with the Iranun Moros.

Great condition and even better with a full scabbard!

Kai,

I am not quite sure why you are assuming the blades are "well worn", but a light etch brought out some nice laminations and I did not see any over unusual wear, pitting or damage in the process. It's pretty average wear for their age on both of them I'd say.

While I cannot vouch for the fact that the sword and scabbard were "born together", they have clearly been together for very long time, and the scabbard was no doubt made for the sword, even taking into account the proper indentions for the guard sitting against the wooden mouth. The stain or paint shows a lot of handling and has even started to blister in a couple of areas from heat. The horizontal rattan is my work, just to keep it all tight.

It's had to tell if it ever had a hand guard. The holes could have been originally intended for that use, but just ended up being used to tie off the rattan, or, of course, a guard could have been lost and the holes simply "recycled" for what we see now.


Thanks Detlef! I am not sure how I missed this one earlier, but it has obviously made the rounds since that last thread, as I did not get it from the originator of that thread. You have a good eye...and a good memory!



I tend to agree Battara, though there is no telling how it got to N. Borneo. The scabbard of a non-typical Philippine Moro type, just points even more in that direction for me.

Can you tell me a little more about the Iranun? Location? etc.? I am not sure I have ever seen that tribe's name before. Is this plainer, yet elegant, style common to their weapons? That kampillan is certainly an all business one! I don't think I have ever seen bigger hand guards on a kampillan.

Hello Charles,

I was the originator of that thread! ;) :D I was to that time very interested to this beautiful kampy but don't get it and want to share the pictures and was interested from where it coming, like you now! ;)
What I have seen once and I like it I never forget! :)

Regards,
Detlef

So far I know are the Iranun a Moro group from Mindanao like the Maguindanao and the Marano but Jose will be able to tell you more.

See here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranun_people

Once again Detlef, on the money!

The Iranun originated on Mindanao like Detlef said, but many traveled (or pirated), some to North Borneo (Sabah region for example) and other places like other Moros. They like the Maranao and the Maguindano, they favor the kampilan.

You can learn more here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranun_people