Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Jim McDougall · 13th November 2009, 06:21 AM

Hi Gav, I'm glad I could help....actually I have never really studied this particular field of weapons, although I have had an example of kampilan.
I must admit that this example has really piqued my interest, which is what led me to the Krieger 1926 article.

There are a number of questions I have, the first of which is why in the world this example has not drawn the attention of the known enthusiasts on these types of weapons here, yet there seems a lot of activity on the concurrent thread with a kampilan with 'odd' handle

Actually though, with my new found interest in these, I am curious about these bells mounted on the guard...I understand these are called 'tiger bells'?
I would presume these have some sort of talismanic or auspicious purpose, but can anyone out there be more specific?

Then there are the curious wavy elements on the guard to which these are attached......if I recall correctly, weren't some kampilans, presumably Moro, with mail hand guards attached to these (but usually on one side)?

The few kampilans I have seen, including the one I had, were quite simple overall without extraneous embellishment aside from the carved hilt, and often a simple metal staple on the guard to which a piece of cloth was attached.

I see what Ariel means on the terminology in the 1926 article, and it does look like there must have been some confusion in terms applied. I think one of the most puzzling terms regarding Philippine weapons that I can recall in my brief experience with them was 'bolo'. After the Spanish-American war I think the term was used for every Filipino weapon from swords to small knives by American GI's souvenier troves.

Also, if I understand correctly, the term 'datu' seems a bit broadly applied, and these tribal figures from what I understand carried varying degree of position....though I am not clear on whether this was based on a certain heirarchy among them within certain tribes or whether subtribes or location might have determined such status. I have seen references noting that retinues of these datus characterized their degree of status.
I would imagine that that same application might be reflected in thier weapons.

I would really like to hear the thoughts of those out there who focus on the study of these kampilan's in some degree, regarding these things. Also,
I think the question on the regional attribution is interesting, and wonder if certain features would be indicative of certain regions or tribes.
i.e. the unusual hilt on the other thread is stated to suggest Timor.

All best regards,
Jim

13th November 2009, 06:21 AM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Gav, I'm glad I could help....actually I have never really studied this particular field of weapons, although I have had an example of kampilan. I must admit that this example has really piqued my interest, which is what led me to the Krieger 1926 article. There are a number of questions I have, the first of which is why in the world this example has not drawn the attention of the known enthusiasts on these types of weapons here, yet there seems a lot of activity on the concurrent thread with a kampilan with 'odd' handle Actually though, with my new found interest in these, I am curious about these bells mounted on the guard...I understand these are called 'tiger bells'? I would presume these have some sort of talismanic or auspicious purpose, but can anyone out there be more specific? Then there are the curious wavy elements on the guard to which these are attached......if I recall correctly, weren't some kampilans, presumably Moro, with mail hand guards attached to these (but usually on one side)? The few kampilans I have seen, including the one I had, were quite simple overall without extraneous embellishment aside from the carved hilt, and often a simple metal staple on the guard to which a piece of cloth was attached. I see what Ariel means on the terminology in the 1926 article, and it does look like there must have been some confusion in terms applied. I think one of the most puzzling terms regarding Philippine weapons that I can recall in my brief experience with them was 'bolo'. After the Spanish-American war I think the term was used for every Filipino weapon from swords to small knives by American GI's souvenier troves. Also, if I understand correctly, the term 'datu' seems a bit broadly applied, and these tribal figures from what I understand carried varying degree of position....though I am not clear on whether this was based on a certain heirarchy among them within certain tribes or whether subtribes or location might have determined such status. I have seen references noting that retinues of these datus characterized their degree of status. I would imagine that that same application might be reflected in thier weapons. I would really like to hear the thoughts of those out there who focus on the study of these kampilan's in some degree, regarding these things. Also, I think the question on the regional attribution is interesting, and wonder if certain features would be indicative of certain regions or tribes. i.e. the unusual hilt on the other thread is stated to suggest Timor. All best regards, Jim