KAMPILAN MAGUINDANAO LUMAD

tanaruz · 4th June 2020, 03:14 AM

Hi friends,

Sharing a kampilan bolo. Bought this in Maguindanao (Mindanao), My first impression when I got this is that it is a Maguindanao kampilan....yet, it is small (bolo size) and with all the beads ornamentation on its handle/hilt- I believe that this is lumad. From which tribe, I have no idea.

Any input/info would be gladly appreciated.

keep safe everyone,

Regards

Yves

Battara · 4th June 2020, 06:42 AM

With the beads and pommel shape, I would guess Bagobo. Unique example.

I wonder if the hilt is upside down.

Sajen · 4th June 2020, 05:40 PM

Very interesting kampy!

Same thoughts regarding the hilt oriatation!

Ian · 4th June 2020, 11:25 PM

The placing of the spike at the end of the blade is wrong for a Moro kampilan, so I would suggest that this was made by a non-Moro smith. Similarly, the presence of a disc guard is inconsistent with Moro work.

As in a similar example of a hilt that you posted recently, the segmented brass hilt and round disk remind me of northern Borneo work such as seen on Murat pakuyan.

The short length of the blade might indicate a naval weapon for close-quarters use. That could suggest a possible Iranum origin, who also had ties to Borneo.

Battara · 5th June 2020, 06:47 AM

Looking at this work again, I will say that the stamping and chasing work looks Moro.

On the bronze hilt, Ian, you could be right about it being Borneo, although I have seen this type of segmented work on Sulu spear ferrules as well.

Ian, what about the beads? I thought only the Bagobo viewed them as talismanic.

Ian · 5th June 2020, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

... Ian, what about the beads? I thought only the Bagobo viewed them as talismanic.

Jose, I think as a general rule you're right about beads on Lumad pieces being most likely Bagobo work. I'm wondering if the beads on this sword were actually used to affix horse hair to the hilt, in much the same way as hair is found on more usual looking kampilan. I'm somewhat persuaded in this thinking by the regular rows of beads, similar to the usual holes and wooden plugs that affix hair to other kampilans. In that case the beads may be more functional than talismanic.

4th June 2020, 03:14 AM	#1
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 266	KAMPILAN MAGUINDANAO LUMAD Hi friends, Sharing a kampilan bolo. Bought this in Maguindanao (Mindanao), My first impression when I got this is that it is a Maguindanao kampilan....yet, it is small (bolo size) and with all the beads ornamentation on its handle/hilt- I believe that this is lumad. From which tribe, I have no idea. Any input/info would be gladly appreciated. keep safe everyone, Regards Yves Attached Images

4th June 2020, 06:42 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	With the beads and pommel shape, I would guess Bagobo. Unique example. I wonder if the hilt is upside down.

4th June 2020, 05:40 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,468	Very interesting kampy! Same thoughts regarding the hilt oriatation!

4th June 2020, 11:25 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,023	The placing of the spike at the end of the blade is wrong for a Moro kampilan, so I would suggest that this was made by a non-Moro smith. Similarly, the presence of a disc guard is inconsistent with Moro work. As in a similar example of a hilt that you posted recently, the segmented brass hilt and round disk remind me of northern Borneo work such as seen on Murat pakuyan. The short length of the blade might indicate a naval weapon for close-quarters use. That could suggest a possible Iranum origin, who also had ties to Borneo.

5th June 2020, 06:47 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Looking at this work again, I will say that the stamping and chasing work looks Moro. On the bronze hilt, Ian, you could be right about it being Borneo, although I have seen this type of segmented work on Sulu spear ferrules as well. Ian, what about the beads? I thought only the Bagobo viewed them as talismanic.