Iron hide! One of a kind iron/ steel moro armor!

[Battara]

I lean toward modern made to look more like Maranao style.

In addition to issues already made, I noticed that the decorations on the copper plates are in more Luzon style, not Moro.

Also the catches are not traditional or correct for traditional Moro work.

Great modern work though!

[Ian]

Bathala:

I think you are hearing consensus that this is an interesting, non-traditional set of Moro iron armor, with copper alloy (brass?) embellishments, that likely dates from the second half of the 20th C. Battara has pointed to features that might suggest multicultural (including non-Moro) input into its construction, and shakethetrees has given a good account of how the plates were likely made.

Ian

[bathala]

I don't know why the last comment was repeated, but yes guy I must admit it's starting to be clear it's more modern than I thought but still great armor. Wondering what was the purpose of making it in steel rather than brass? It would have been way easier and more closer to its antique counterparts.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by bathala

I don't know why the last comment was repeated, but yes guy I must admit it's starting to be clear it's more modern than I thought but still great armor. Wondering what was the purpose of making it in steel rather than brass? It would have been way easier and more closer to its antique counterparts.

Having been to the Philippines many times I feel that this was probably made in the same region (Mindanao) as the originals. Probably made by someone who has some knowledge of the local use of these armors, consider it to be a homage to something from the past.

Most Philippine citizens that I have met would have little to no knowledge of Philippine armor unless it was part of their personal culture. I do not think this was an attempt to fool anyone or the materials would have been different. They used whatever materials were available to them and brass was not readily available. I myself have had problems finding things in the Philippines that I could easily find from multiple sources were I live.

[Battara]

Originally Posted by estcrh

Having been to the Philippines many times I feel that this was probably made in the same region (Mindanao) as the originals. Probably made by someone who has some knowledge of the local use of these armors, consider it to be a homage to something from the past.

Most Philippine citizens that I have met would have little to no knowledge of Philippine armor unless it was part of their personal culture. I do not think this was an attempt to fool anyone or the materials would have been different. They used whatever materials were available to them and brass was not readily available. I myself have had problems finding things in the Philippines that I could easily find from multiple sources were I live.

I agree with your assessment.

Also, as I have said before, it seems that most of the antique weaponry was brought over the US. I have sold several things back to the Philippines from my collection over the years.