Identifying this kampilan

Tim Simmons · 9th January 2006, 06:48 PM

Hello, I also have a puzzling knife which although small has a very similar scabbard and handle form, the blade however is quite different. In Albert G. Van Zonneveld's 'Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago' the hilt is known after a pepper grinder, he calls 'tombok lada' which he says has origins in Sumatra and the Malayan peninsular. I know little about these things and post this once before but the knife was unassigned an origin. Total length in the scabbard 28cm, the blade is laminated, just possible to see, which seems to excite some people. People with more knowledge might be able to be more precise. Tim

CharlesS · 12th January 2006, 02:59 PM

I agree. The first piece certainly seems to be Bogobo type kampillon blade with Sumatran mounts. It's nicely done, but an odd marriage.

Ian · 13th January 2006, 02:55 PM

I agree that the first one looks to be a small kampilan blade in Sumatran dress. The second is perhaps from Borneo or Sumatra.

Attached are pictures of an old B'laan or Bagobo kampilan. I originally posted these on the old EEWRS web site and they are not very good quality. Note that the shape of the end of the hilt is somewhat similar to the second example.

Ian.

Tim Simmons · 14th January 2006, 05:44 PM

Very nice scabbard. Are the decorative dots metal or shell? Any idea as to whether that is goat or human hair? Tim

Rick · 14th January 2006, 09:41 PM

When considering this blade and hilt combination one may wish to factor in the Moro / Sumatran connection .
With a blade length of approximately three feet I think it is larger than your typical Bagobo kampilan .

As an observation I'd like to comment that the kampilan blade looks quite old .

Ian · 15th January 2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Very nice scabbard. Are the decorative dots metal or shell? Any idea as to whether that is goat or human hair? Tim

Tim:

The "dots" are small metal pins driven into the wood. The hair is probably from a horse.

Ian.

9th January 2006, 06:48 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	Hello, I also have a puzzling knife which although small has a very similar scabbard and handle form, the blade however is quite different. In Albert G. Van Zonneveld's 'Traditional Weapons of the Indonesian Archipelago' the hilt is known after a pepper grinder, he calls 'tombok lada' which he says has origins in Sumatra and the Malayan peninsular. I know little about these things and post this once before but the knife was unassigned an origin. Total length in the scabbard 28cm, the blade is laminated, just possible to see, which seems to excite some people. People with more knowledge might be able to be more precise. Tim Attached Images

14th January 2006, 09:41 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Back To The Sword Under Discussion When considering this blade and hilt combination one may wish to factor in the Moro / Sumatran connection . With a blade length of approximately three feet I think it is larger than your typical Bagobo kampilan . As an observation I'd like to comment that the kampilan blade looks quite old .

12th January 2006, 02:59 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I agree. The first piece certainly seems to be Bogobo type kampillon blade with Sumatran mounts. It's nicely done, but an odd marriage.

13th January 2006, 02:55 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	I agree that the first one looks to be a small kampilan blade in Sumatran dress. The second is perhaps from Borneo or Sumatra. Attached are pictures of an old B'laan or Bagobo kampilan. I originally posted these on the old EEWRS web site and they are not very good quality. Note that the shape of the end of the hilt is somewhat similar to the second example. Ian.

14th January 2006, 05:44 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	Very nice scabbard. Are the decorative dots metal or shell? Any idea as to whether that is goat or human hair? Tim