Kampilan with unusual Thalassic guard form

David · 12th February 2007, 11:08 PM

I agree...it's a nice hilt, but it doesn't look all that unusal to me either.

Bill M · 12th February 2007, 11:33 PM

I meant to say "unusual guard."

Well, maybe not THAT unusual!

A little bit unusual?

zelbone · 13th February 2007, 07:13 AM

I've got one...not that rare...

...saw a few with the same guard here in Mindanao as well. Unfortunately...most you wouldn't have access to these weapons.

FenrisWolf · 13th February 2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelbone

I've got one...not that rare...

...saw a few with the same guard here in Mindanao as well. Unfortunately...most you wouldn't have access to these weapons.

Now you have my curiosity piqued, and I don't even collect these. On one hand you say they aren't that rare, and on the other that most collectors wouldn't have access. Is there some special significance to the style of hilt that precludes it falling into the hnd of foreign collectors? Inquiring minds want to know!

Bill M · 13th February 2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelbone

I've got one...not that rare...

Zel - would you go for "unusual" I can't find anyone said "rare" in this thread

katana · 13th February 2007, 01:31 PM

Rare ? unusual ? less common? ......whatever the outcome....I really like the hilt..

...the zooamorphic 'pommel' is interesting...do you know what it represents. The 'square' jaw and large eyes puts me off the idea it is a Serpent's head.
However, the (metal ?) wavy piece ( not very scientific

) on the guard certainly 'shouts' snake and I'm sure there is significance to the number of 'curves'.

David · 13th February 2007, 01:39 PM

As for the guard Bill, i would say perhaps "less common" is the term i would use. I have seen far too many kampilan on eBay with this style guard to consider it "unusual", though yours is i much nicer example than most of the ones i've seen.

Bill M · 13th February 2007, 01:54 PM

Thanks, guys. I seem to have gotten into a description situation. I have been quoting a description of this kampilan from Cato's "Moro Swords." These are his words and I should be referencing him.

Please see pages 49 and 54 of "Moro Swords."

"34. A curved kampilan guard with an unusual thalassic form."

When I search for "thalassic" I see the "Free Onine Dictionary" saying:

Adj. 1. thalassic - relating to the seas, especially smaller or inland seas;- Scientific American

Thinking in this context, I assume the guard looks a bit like a boat. But it could have other meanings.

I apologise for not quoting my sources and will be sure to quote them in the future.

---- Bill

12th February 2007, 11:08 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,228	I agree...it's a nice hilt, but it doesn't look all that unusal to me either.

12th February 2007, 11:33 PM	#2
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	I meant to say "unusual guard." Well, maybe not THAT unusual! A little bit unusual?

13th February 2007, 07:13 AM	#3
zelbone Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: VISAYAS and MINDANAO Posts: 169	I've got one...not that rare... ...saw a few with the same guard here in Mindanao as well. Unfortunately...most you wouldn't have access to these weapons.

13th February 2007, 01:31 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Rare ? unusual ? less common? ......whatever the outcome....I really like the hilt.. ...the zooamorphic 'pommel' is interesting...do you know what it represents. The 'square' jaw and large eyes puts me off the idea it is a Serpent's head. However, the (metal ?) wavy piece ( not very scientific ) on the guard certainly 'shouts' snake and I'm sure there is significance to the number of 'curves'.

13th February 2007, 01:39 PM	#7
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,228	As for the guard Bill, i would say perhaps "less common" is the term i would use. I have seen far too many kampilan on eBay with this style guard to consider it "unusual", though yours is i much nicer example than most of the ones i've seen.

13th February 2007, 01:54 PM	#8
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Thanks, guys. I seem to have gotten into a description situation. I have been quoting a description of this kampilan from Cato's "Moro Swords." These are his words and I should be referencing him. Please see pages 49 and 54 of "Moro Swords." "34. A curved kampilan guard with an unusual thalassic form." When I search for "thalassic" I see the "Free Onine Dictionary" saying: Adj. 1. thalassic - relating to the seas, especially smaller or inland seas;- Scientific American Thinking in this context, I assume the guard looks a bit like a boat. But it could have other meanings. I apologise for not quoting my sources and will be sure to quote them in the future. ---- Bill