Moro Ivory Kampilan

Battara · 21st November 2007, 01:43 AM

Greetings Friendly Fellow Formites!

I thought I would share a new acquisition - an ivory kampilan!

Blade - not laminated but solid and the tip of the spikelet was broken off. The crossguard is a hollow elephant tusk with a silver staple. The pommel is solid ivory with US-PI coins for eyes (1944 and 1918). Between the pommel and crossguard is a grip made of alternating bands of silver and okir copper-silver alloy bands (I already tested all the metals). The scabbard is open on one side and carved all the way down on one side (though warped). On the top of the pommel is what I believe is boar hair. The mansala looks Maguindanao to me even though the kampilan looks Maranao -

Ian is of the opinion that the coins and the grip are later than the rest of the piece. I am inclined to agree with him. In fact, I believe that the original grip may have been silver or even swaasa.

Any additional information that can help me is very welcome. Enjoy!

21st November 2007, 01:43 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,200	Moro Ivory Kampilan Greetings Friendly Fellow Formites! I thought I would share a new acquisition - an ivory kampilan! Blade - not laminated but solid and the tip of the spikelet was broken off. The crossguard is a hollow elephant tusk with a silver staple. The pommel is solid ivory with US-PI coins for eyes (1944 and 1918). Between the pommel and crossguard is a grip made of alternating bands of silver and okir copper-silver alloy bands (I already tested all the metals). The scabbard is open on one side and carved all the way down on one side (though warped). On the top of the pommel is what I believe is boar hair. The mansala looks Maguindanao to me even though the kampilan looks Maranao - Ian is of the opinion that the coins and the grip are later than the rest of the piece. I am inclined to agree with him. In fact, I believe that the original grip may have been silver or even swaasa. Any additional information that can help me is very welcome. Enjoy! Attached Images