Moro Ivory Kampilan

Ian · 26th November 2007, 06:11 PM

As Battara mentioned, he and I had a chance to discuss this beautiful sword before he took the plunge and purchased it for a substantial amount.

Like Dan W., I felt it was probably a piece from a Sultan's collection. The only similar kampilan I have seen is in the the Philippines National Museum (a picture apears in Cato of that particular sword), and Battara's kampilan is no less impressive than the national treasure in Manila that came from the Lake Lanao region of Mindanao (a Maranao area).

It was my strong suggestion to Battara that he do whatever it took to acquire this sword, as he would likely never have another opportunity to own such a magnificant piece. Perhaps my pleading had nothing to do with the outcome, but I am delighted that he went ahead and secured it. IMO this is a 19th C. kampilan that was refitted with a new handle and ornaments in the mid-20th C.

This would have made a magnificent "bearing sword" carried by a member of the Sultan's/Datu's court during official events. A symbol of great wealth and prestige. I hope that one day Battara will discover its distinguished former owner.

Congrats again, my friend, on a wonderful buy.

Ian.

Lew · 26th November 2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

As Battara mentioned, he and I had a chance to discuss this beautiful sword before he took the plunge and purchased it for a substantial amount.

Ian.

Hey Battara since you had to sell your house to buy the sword you should not be too upset I can put you up in my house for a while but you will have to let me hang the sword up during your stay

I agree that is a national treasure and I am happy for you.Thanks for sharing.

Lew

Battara · 27th November 2007, 01:53 AM

Thanks Louis - I may have to take you up on that.

I am pleased that this may have belonged to a sultan. Unfortunately the previous owner and the owner before that did not know where it came from.

Again, thank you Ian - this was my Christmas present to me.

carlos · 27th November 2007, 03:24 PM

VERY VERY NICE!!! IS PERFECT!! YOU ARE A LUCKY MAN, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
BEST REGARDS
CARLOS

Battara · 30th November 2007, 09:23 PM

Thank you Carlos.....

2 new things:

1. I have compared the cloth mansala to similar pieces in The Rainbow'w Varied Hue and have thus determined that the cloth is in fact Maranao (not Maguindanao).

2. Here is a picture of the hilt of the ivory and 22k kampilan mentioned in Cato that belonged to a sultan/dato (the name escapes me know) and is designated a "national treasure". The picture comes from Treasures of the Philippine National Museum.

kai · 30th November 2007, 11:02 PM

A stunning kampilan, Jose - congrats!

I especially like the carving work on the pommel. Also, the blade looks really promising!

BTW, the other ivory kampilan was owned/inherited by Datu Natangcup from Lanao.

Regards,
Kai

Andrew · 1st December 2007, 03:21 AM

Congratulations, Jose. I'm really happy for you.

Forgive my ignorance, but are kampilans not typically laminated or patterned? I would think such a fine weapon would have a fancy blade?

26th November 2007, 06:11 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,481	Nicer than nice ... As Battara mentioned, he and I had a chance to discuss this beautiful sword before he took the plunge and purchased it for a substantial amount. Like Dan W., I felt it was probably a piece from a Sultan's collection. The only similar kampilan I have seen is in the the Philippines National Museum (a picture apears in Cato of that particular sword), and Battara's kampilan is no less impressive than the national treasure in Manila that came from the Lake Lanao region of Mindanao (a Maranao area). It was my strong suggestion to Battara that he do whatever it took to acquire this sword, as he would likely never have another opportunity to own such a magnificant piece. Perhaps my pleading had nothing to do with the outcome, but I am delighted that he went ahead and secured it. IMO this is a 19th C. kampilan that was refitted with a new handle and ornaments in the mid-20th C. This would have made a magnificent "bearing sword" carried by a member of the Sultan's/Datu's court during official events. A symbol of great wealth and prestige. I hope that one day Battara will discover its distinguished former owner. Congrats again, my friend, on a wonderful buy. Ian.

27th November 2007, 03:24 PM	#4
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 755	AAHAHAHAH!!! VERY VERY NICE!!! IS PERFECT!! YOU ARE A LUCKY MAN, CONGRATULATIONS!!! BEST REGARDS CARLOS

30th November 2007, 09:23 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,339	Thank you Carlos..... 2 new things: 1. I have compared the cloth mansala to similar pieces in The Rainbow'w Varied Hue and have thus determined that the cloth is in fact Maranao (not Maguindanao). 2. Here is a picture of the hilt of the ivory and 22k kampilan mentioned in Cato that belonged to a sultan/dato (the name escapes me know) and is designated a "national treasure". The picture comes from Treasures of the Philippine National Museum. Attached Images

27th November 2007, 01:53 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,339	Thanks Louis - I may have to take you up on that. I am pleased that this may have belonged to a sultan. Unfortunately the previous owner and the owner before that did not know where it came from. Again, thank you Ian - this was my Christmas present to me.

30th November 2007, 11:02 PM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	A stunning kampilan, Jose - congrats! I especially like the carving work on the pommel. Also, the blade looks really promising! BTW, the other ivory kampilan was owned/inherited by Datu Natangcup from Lanao. Regards, Kai

1st December 2007, 03:21 AM	#7
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Congratulations, Jose. I'm really happy for you. Forgive my ignorance, but are kampilans not typically laminated or patterned? I would think such a fine weapon would have a fancy blade?