Bagobo sword

Battara · 25th March 2005, 05:52 PM

Can't tell from the pictures. What is it? Nice piece - don't you just love lamination?

Ian · 25th March 2005, 06:06 PM

Hi dan:

Good to have you back. That's a very nice example of the small kampilan probably prduced by the Tagakaolo (aka Kaolu) near Davao City in Mindanao. The Kaolu live adjacent to the Bagobo, and not surprisingly share weapons that are very similar in appearance. This could be a Bagobo sword, but the hilt is more consistent with the Kaolu, and there is no beadwork on the scabbard which is almost invariably present on Bagobo swords.

In the past, and perhaps on the old Forum, I would have called your example Bagobo, but I was informed of the distinction between Bagobo and Kaolu swords about two years ago. Many dealers still call these "Bagobo" because the Bagobo are a better known tribe (and their craftwork is considered better quality).

Ian.

wilked aka Khun Deng · 26th March 2005, 04:14 AM

Thanks for the corection Ian.

The decoration wrapped around the four posts are brass wire and ... a zipper!

Battara · 26th March 2005, 05:45 PM

A Zipper?

tom hyle · 26th March 2005, 05:57 PM

I love it! I remember getting an old African sword whose handle wrap was a 1/2-melted wonderbread bag, then there's the PI sword I had whose pommel nut turned out to be the dial from a Eurotype oil lamp.

paolo · 23rd September 2007, 10:17 AM

Hi all,
I wish know Your opinion about my one (not so beautyful like Yours). Above all I would like to know about its age and its quality.
Thank You for any help
Paolo

23rd September 2007, 10:17 AM	#6
paolo Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 173	Hi all, I wish know Your opinion about my one (not so beautyful like Yours). Above all I would like to know about its age and its quality. Thank You for any help Paolo Attached Images

25th March 2005, 05:52 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Can't tell from the pictures. What is it? Nice piece - don't you just love lamination?

25th March 2005, 06:06 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hi dan: Good to have you back. That's a very nice example of the small kampilan probably prduced by the Tagakaolo (aka Kaolu) near Davao City in Mindanao. The Kaolu live adjacent to the Bagobo, and not surprisingly share weapons that are very similar in appearance. This could be a Bagobo sword, but the hilt is more consistent with the Kaolu, and there is no beadwork on the scabbard which is almost invariably present on Bagobo swords. In the past, and perhaps on the old Forum, I would have called your example Bagobo, but I was informed of the distinction between Bagobo and Kaolu swords about two years ago. Many dealers still call these "Bagobo" because the Bagobo are a better known tribe (and their craftwork is considered better quality). Ian.

26th March 2005, 04:14 AM	#3
wilked aka Khun Deng Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oahu, Hawaii Posts: 166	Thanks for the corection Ian. The decoration wrapped around the four posts are brass wire and ... a zipper!

26th March 2005, 05:45 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	A Zipper?

26th March 2005, 05:57 PM	#5
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	I love it! I remember getting an old African sword whose handle wrap was a 1/2-melted wonderbread bag, then there's the PI sword I had whose pommel nut turned out to be the dial from a Eurotype oil lamp.