Moro blades galore: Any gem/s here?

[apolaki]

i don't quite understand. these swords are made in the philippines by local craftsman where the swords originate. if they are modern creations, how are they any less? i mean didn't the person who posted these pictures say that one vendor is an actual maranao? if it's just a matter of age, i can understand that, but from a cultural ethnographic point of view, should they not hold the same esteem, antique & modern?

Thanks,

apolaki

ps - would so buy those lumad portraits even if they are modern!!!!!!!!!

[David]

Originally Posted by apolaki

i don't quite understand. these swords are made in the philippines by local craftsman where the swords originate. if they are modern creations, how are they any less? i mean didn't the person who posted these pictures say that one vendor is an actual maranao? if it's just a matter of age, i can understand that, but from a cultural ethnographic point of view, should they not hold the same esteem, antique & modern?

Apolaki, this is a valid question, but i am afraid that most of these modern pieces are made for the tourist trade, not with the same care, intention and level of quality that you will find in those actually made as true cultural weapons meant to be fought with by the Moro people. If you held them side by side you would understand the difference better. Certainly these are being made by local craftsmen, but it is sort of like buying a jazzed up tomahawk peace pipe from a Native American at a roadside Indian trading post somewhere in the Southwest states. It may actually be made BY an Indian, but it wasn't made FOR and Indian. Get it?

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by apolaki

ps - would so buy those lumad portraits even if they are modern!!!!!!!!!

apolaki, yeah why not?

in metro manila, tiendesitas (owner also of greenhills shopping center in san juan) would be it. in mindanao, i think aldevinco shopping center would have the most number of shops.

good luck!

[kino]

I would have fun there just looking around. There would be things other than edged weapons to separate me from my meager allowance.

was able to etch the kampilan's blade last night, following the tips gathered from this forum. the blade's lamination has come out, and i'm going to post the pics of that kampilan on a new thread, to further solicit all of your opinions.

Miguel, what did you use as an etchant, I have heard that an unripe Balimbing works well.

Daghang Salamat for posting the photos.

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by kino

I would have fun there just looking around. There would be things other than edged weapons to separate me from my meager allowance.

Miguel, what did you use as an etchant, I have heard that an unripe Balimbing works well.

Daghang Salamat for posting the photos.

Hi Kino!

I used kitchen vinegar as etchant, and following the tips given by Kai and Bill in this forum.

As for the use of 'balimbing', what I heard is that 'kamias' can be used. So I'll just try both.

Salamat! [thank you], also

[migueldiaz]

I've just gotten back from checking out the antique shops in the downtown (Ermita district) of the city of Manila.

I was looking for kampilans, and I've posted the pics of the five kampilans I'm choosing from, in this thread -- Five kampilans: which two to buy? Hope you can give me some guidance there.

As to what else are there in that popular antique store in Ermita, please see attached.

[migueldiaz]

Some more pics:

[migueldiaz]

More: