Kampilan sundi symbolism

[Ian]

Hi Jeff,

Very nice kampilan and the etching shows a handsome blade. I agree with Rick that there was probably another staple guard in the holes that are now empty. As far as what the sundi may represent, we may never know because a lot of Moro symbolism is not explained to outsiders. The information is kept close to the culture.

[Sajen]

Nice kampy and good restore job!

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by Ian

I agree with Rick that there was probably another staple guard in the holes that are now empty.

Have you seen one with a double staple before? I'm tempted to replace the missing one but not sure what would be correct in terms of design.

[Rick]

Yes, I have one in my collection. The staples (for want of a better word) are made of brass rather than iron or steel. One of them is a cast piece and the other one is a simple hand formed brass staple. I have seen other Kamps with two guards but I haven't seen another like mine with a cast guard, nor have I seen another example with brass rather than iron guards.
The unusual handle is Banati wood and the cross guard is very hard dark Teak.