A Kampillan...But Moro???

CharlesS · 7th August 2007, 02:10 AM

I have just received this kampillan and once in hand it really got my curiosity up, because it has a lot of somewhat unique features. I am wondering if it is Moro at all, but I think if it is Moro it is not from the Philippines.

VVV and I had a nice discussion this summer regarding the widespread use of the kampillan, and I am wondering if this piece may be from Borneo or even Sulawesi.

The blade is nice, yet not unique...it is a standard nicely laminated blade, but what is unique:

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

*smaller hilt overall, with shorter, thinner crossguard

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

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

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

7th August 2007, 02:10 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Kampillan...But Moro??? I have just received this kampillan and once in hand it really got my curiosity up, because it has a lot of somewhat unique features. I am wondering if it is Moro at all, but I think if it is Moro it is not from the Philippines. VVV and I had a nice discussion this summer regarding the widespread use of the kampillan, and I am wondering if this piece may be from Borneo or even Sulawesi. The blade is nice, yet not unique...it is a standard nicely laminated blade, but what is unique: short "crocodile jaws"....very little "open mouth" smaller hilt overall, with shorter, thinner crossguard hair is not attached in plugs glued into holes, but is attached in a long thin groove-like opening rather than holes unique talismans; other than the tiger bells, these do not appear to be typical to Moro kampillans I'd like some feedback from others on the possible origins of this sword. I am wondering if anyone is thinking like I am?? Attached Images Last edited by CharlesS; 7th August 2007 at 03:38 AM.