A Moro bangkung?

[Ian]

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