Non Moro ,Mandaya? sword

zelbone · 13th December 2005, 03:23 PM

Interesting sword, Justin.

Honestly, I really can't give you a definate answer on this one. Bill, may be correct that it is Sumatran. However, I tend to agree with Ian that this could be a hybrid sword from Mindanao. I do have a bangkung with a similar blade that is sharpened on the back side at the the tip, but that blade form is found in almost all of the Mindanao lumad swords...Bagobo, T'boli, B'laan, etc. Of course that form is also found in the Visayas and Luzon as well as seen in the binangon, ginunting, and binakoko. The scabbard does look very "Visayan" in flavor as well as the ferrule.

One thing also to remember that there is quite a large number of ethnic Visayans in Mindanao. In fact they may outnumber the Moros and the Lumad now. It wouldn't surprise me that this could be a localized hybrid.

I'd also be interested in hearing what others would say especially with those more familiar with Sumatran weapons as Bill suggests. In any case, interesting sword you got there, Justin.

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13th December 2005, 03:23 PM	#6
zelbone Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: VISAYAS and MINDANAO Posts: 169	Interesting sword, Justin. Honestly, I really can't give you a definate answer on this one. Bill, may be correct that it is Sumatran. However, I tend to agree with Ian that this could be a hybrid sword from Mindanao. I do have a bangkung with a similar blade that is sharpened on the back side at the the tip, but that blade form is found in almost all of the Mindanao lumad swords...Bagobo, T'boli, B'laan, etc. Of course that form is also found in the Visayas and Luzon as well as seen in the binangon, ginunting, and binakoko. The scabbard does look very "Visayan" in flavor as well as the ferrule. One thing also to remember that there is quite a large number of ethnic Visayans in Mindanao. In fact they may outnumber the Moros and the Lumad now. It wouldn't surprise me that this could be a localized hybrid. I'd also be interested in hearing what others would say especially with those more familiar with Sumatran weapons as Bill suggests. In any case, interesting sword you got there, Justin.