A Kampillan...But Moro???

[kai]

Hello Charles,

Thanks for posting these pics! You really get the nicest toys! <drooling>

I wonder why nobody mentioned it yet: If you ever want to let this piece go, please drop me a line, pretty please...

*short "crocodile jaws"....very little "open mouth"

I don't think this was ever intended to represent an animal.

*hair is not attached in plugs glued into holes, but is attached in a long thin groove-like opening rather than holes

Could you please show a close-up? The decoration at the bottom side of the hilt still seems to be applied in tufts.

*unique talismans; other than the tiger bells, these do not appear to be typical to Moro kampillans

The attached tassle seems to be close but slightly different from Michael's.

BTW, attached bundles of hair like in your example seem to be more widespread in the area. Are these documented from any non-headhunting culture?

I'd like some feedback from others on the possible origins of this sword. I am wondering if anyone is thinking like I am??

Illanum seems to be a good guess - possibly more East than Borneo...

Regards,
Kai