Curious Iranun kampilan feature

Gavin Nugent · 25th December 2023, 03:29 AM

Xasterix,

That is some nice timber work, both the carving and the manner of joining what appears to my eyes as being a replaced pommel.
The point of the plug is consistent with several Kampilan mounting points I have seen and the larger one I have here.

What do you think "may" have been meant/intended culturally in the inclusion of separate "teeth" and having that different coloured piece being incorporated back into the pommel?

Kino,

The cut out intrigues me.

At first glance I thought what a wonderful way to retain small votive personal items, although little more than parchment could be concealed within. It seems the wire pins had been intended to keep something safe and secure within and not used for regular access. I feel a replacement hair block would have also been resin set.
Perhaps it once had a bone insert retaining hair, age cracks took a toll and eventually all became dislodged and removed?

Whilst no definitive answers may be available, what considerations have you pondered.

I have checked the three Kampilan currently here and none have any such additions like yours Xasterix.

The smaller cutlass sized one does give hints that the block typically seen as retaining hair, that is has been removed/cut back, but the patina is consistent throughout and there is enough protrusion present to consider it may be unaltered too.
Perhaps the few very slight, perfectly spaces recesses that can be seen were markings/depressions intended for drilling holes and mounting hair?

The myriad of designs and complexities are as vast as Kris from the regions.

25th December 2023, 03:29 AM	#8
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Xasterix, That is some nice timber work, both the carving and the manner of joining what appears to my eyes as being a replaced pommel. The point of the plug is consistent with several Kampilan mounting points I have seen and the larger one I have here. What do you think "may" have been meant/intended culturally in the inclusion of separate "teeth" and having that different coloured piece being incorporated back into the pommel? Kino, The cut out intrigues me. At first glance I thought what a wonderful way to retain small votive personal items, although little more than parchment could be concealed within. It seems the wire pins had been intended to keep something safe and secure within and not used for regular access. I feel a replacement hair block would have also been resin set. Perhaps it once had a bone insert retaining hair, age cracks took a toll and eventually all became dislodged and removed? Whilst no definitive answers may be available, what considerations have you pondered. I have checked the three Kampilan currently here and none have any such additions like yours Xasterix. The smaller cutlass sized one does give hints that the block typically seen as retaining hair, that is has been removed/cut back, but the patina is consistent throughout and there is enough protrusion present to consider it may be unaltered too. Perhaps the few very slight, perfectly spaces recesses that can be seen were markings/depressions intended for drilling holes and mounting hair? The myriad of designs and complexities are as vast as Kris from the regions. Last edited by Gavin Nugent; 25th December 2023 at 09:50 AM.