Kampilans in Basilan?

ashkenaz · 2nd June 2019, 03:52 AM

I wonder.

I never understood why Kampilans are next to non existent in Basilan when they're in constant contact with Kampilan making tribes and groups from Borneo and Mainland Borneo.

That never made sense to me. Unless, (in my theory) it is because Moros of Sulu rejected the Kampilan for reasons we are yet to find out.

Because (in my theory then) the lacking of Kampilans in Sulu, from this indication, has nothing to do with the lack of introduction of Kampilans to Sulu, but rather the rejection of it since many neighbors of the people of Sulu used Kampilans but Sulu Moros pretty much don't.

Ian · 2nd June 2019, 12:47 PM

Ashkenaz, you raise some good points, although I'm not sure how we would test your theory. It's possible that the kampilan was used in the past by members of the Sulu groups, and subsequently rejected. Spanish colonial records might offer some clue, but these are few and far between when it comes to Moro weapons. What we do know is that among the Bangsa Moro the kampilan has been used (almost) exclusively by the Maranao and Maguindanao groups for the last 120 years. Earlier than that we are pretty much guessing.

Battara · 8th June 2019, 03:57 AM

I agree with Ian about testability, but I can see this rejection by the Sulu region since they sit in between 2 regions that are known for using the kampilan - Borneo and Mindanao.

2nd June 2019, 03:52 AM	#1
ashkenaz Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Posts: 23	I wonder. I never understood why Kampilans are next to non existent in Basilan when they're in constant contact with Kampilan making tribes and groups from Borneo and Mainland Borneo. That never made sense to me. Unless, (in my theory) it is because Moros of Sulu rejected the Kampilan for reasons we are yet to find out. Because (in my theory then) the lacking of Kampilans in Sulu, from this indication, has nothing to do with the lack of introduction of Kampilans to Sulu, but rather the rejection of it since many neighbors of the people of Sulu used Kampilans but Sulu Moros pretty much don't.

2nd June 2019, 12:47 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,396	Ashkenaz, you raise some good points, although I'm not sure how we would test your theory. It's possible that the kampilan was used in the past by members of the Sulu groups, and subsequently rejected. Spanish colonial records might offer some clue, but these are few and far between when it comes to Moro weapons. What we do know is that among the Bangsa Moro the kampilan has been used (almost) exclusively by the Maranao and Maguindanao groups for the last 120 years. Earlier than that we are pretty much guessing.

8th June 2019, 03:57 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I agree with Ian about testability, but I can see this rejection by the Sulu region since they sit in between 2 regions that are known for using the kampilan - Borneo and Mindanao.