Bag Lady Kampilan

[Spunjer]

with all the coins, seems like this particular piece is more of a numismatist's dream, no?
Jose, that's one possiblity, about being a pusaka, although i've never heard of adding trinkets as it goes down from father to son. but then again, who knows?

understand too, that if it's indeed a Suluanon kampilan, Jolo port was actually a busy international port back in the days, albeit it was waning at the turn of the century. a lot of traders from all over Asia, Middle East and Europeans. some of these traders actually stayed and made Sulu their home. Capt Schuck from Germany for one, the Tan Family from China, etc.
here's another thing that crossed my mind... why didn't the original owner use any American or Filipino coin from that era? it was a common thing back then to use those due to their high silver content, and for their 'bling' effect.

i do know this: that particular medallion is popular among the Filipinos. since when, i have no idea.