2 Moro Kampillans

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by 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

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.

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hello Charles,

two very interesting kampilans! The one with the unusual mouth piece 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

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!

Originally Posted by Battara

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!

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.