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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 413
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Hello all,
Here is a photo of a weapon I just acquired but not yet in my hands. Am I correct in thinking this is a Moro bangkung? The seller identified it as a "banyal" but I cannot find any substantive reference to a sword of that name that looks like this. Is banyal another word for bangkung? Overall, this sword/knife measures about 17 inches with the blade about 11 inches. At the widest portion of the blade, it measures 1 ¾ inches. Thank you in advance for your comments. Best Regards, Dave A. |
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#2 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,200
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It doesn't quite strike me as a bang kung. So I guess it would be a banyal, which is a new word at least to me.
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#3 | |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 413
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Consider these sources …
Sandata - The Edged Weapons of the Philippines Mine, at roughly 43cm is too small. However, the other features match. PHIL SWORDS - FINAL SELECTION See bangkung, item 181.The general overall shape is a match. There are other examples elsewhere also. Finally, this thread in the forums includes: Show us your bankung, post #13 See the top example, which is here yet CharlesS says it is "NOT a bangkung".So ![]() Thanks B. - Dave A. |
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#4 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,167
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Dave:
I looked at that knife/sword also when it was up for sale. Could not make up my mind if it was Moro or Visayan because it seemed to have a chisel edge. However, if it is Moro then there may be a clue in the scabbard as to where it came from. Moro weapons of the Sulu archipelago and Mindanao do not usually have a drilled through "hanger" to tie the sword or knife around the waist. Generally the weapon is tucked into the waist band or a sash. However, this hanger arrangement is seen on scabbards from Palawan and from N. Borneo, so that may be where this sword/knife came from. The hilt also has somewhat of a N. Borneo look to it as well, especially the shape of the pommel and its carving. That would be my preference for its origin if the blade turns out to be V-ground. As to what to call it, I think it's a bit small to call it a bangkung, because the bangkung is regarded as being of sword length. But, hey, what's in a name really? Regards, Ian |
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#5 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 413
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Ian,
Thanks. It relieves me no end to know that those far more astute than I are also uncertain! ![]() The clue about the drilled through "hanger" tie is a new one to me. Very helpful. When it arrives, I will post more pictures in this thread of the major features. "But hey, what's in a name really?" ![]() Good point. And since when do we expect the categories to be nice and tidy? Obviously someone had a need for a knife like this and someone had an idea about what to make and now we have this odd "not bangkung", which is what I might start calling it. - Dave |
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#6 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,167
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Here is one of mine from Palawan. Late 20th C. The scabbard has a drilled-through hanger and jute rope for tying it around the waist.
Ian. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 413
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#8 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 413
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The item arrived and I've given it a good wash and superficial rust from the blade. It cleaned up nicely!
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#9 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Germany, Dortmund
Posts: 8,731
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Look much better on your pictures as from the seller ones. Nice sword however you will call it!
![]() ![]() Regards, Detlef |
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