Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Difference between a Klewang and Bangkung

Ian · 23rd December 2004, 01:42 PM

Spunjer:

Short answer: what we speak of as a "klewang" or "bangkung" reflects a difference in name, not the basic weapon. True, some are heavier than others, some have slightly curved edges, some have fancy file work on the blade, some have chisel edges, some have fancy brass hilts, etc., etc. Bottom line, they are all forward-weighted, single-edged chopping blades, that widen progressively from hilt to tip -- some are squared off at the end, others more rounded, and some have more unusual shapes.

The kampilan is an uncommonly long form of the same family of blade. The Dyak mandau is also in the same broad group. The dao of the Naga and Kachin in northern Burma, Assam, and nearby areas are futher examples. And the list goes on. The same basic design can be traced throughout SE Asia and beyond. It is an efficient blade for a chopper, often adopted from agricultural or domestic uses to the necessities of conflict -- that seems to be true for many different cultures and ethnic groups.

With respect to particular materials used to construct hilts or scabbards, I would be cautious in creating hard and fast rules for any weapons from the Philippines. There is considerable variety.

Ian.

23rd December 2004, 01:42 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	What's in a name? Spunjer: Short answer: what we speak of as a "klewang" or "bangkung" reflects a difference in name, not the basic weapon. True, some are heavier than others, some have slightly curved edges, some have fancy file work on the blade, some have chisel edges, some have fancy brass hilts, etc., etc. Bottom line, they are all forward-weighted, single-edged chopping blades, that widen progressively from hilt to tip -- some are squared off at the end, others more rounded, and some have more unusual shapes. The kampilan is an uncommonly long form of the same family of blade. The Dyak mandau is also in the same broad group. The dao of the Naga and Kachin in northern Burma, Assam, and nearby areas are futher examples. And the list goes on. The same basic design can be traced throughout SE Asia and beyond. It is an efficient blade for a chopper, often adopted from agricultural or domestic uses to the necessities of conflict -- that seems to be true for many different cultures and ethnic groups. With respect to particular materials used to construct hilts or scabbards, I would be cautious in creating hard and fast rules for any weapons from the Philippines. There is considerable variety. Ian.