Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 146:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sea areacalled a kampilan. The basic form of the sword is considered to have been borrowed from Malayprototypes and similar swords from Timor and Borneo are found in Dutch institutionalcollections, though with slightly different grip shapes, a representative example can be seen here.The kampilan profile is strikingly similar to that Timorese prototype but also the blade profilehas deep similarities to the klewang and mandau (parang ihlang)swords that were used by the Dayak of Borneo. Others contendthat the Celebes islands are the origin for the Moro kampilan. However, there areindigenous Philippine archeological found objects from theSurigao hoard that also show similarities to the kampilan andmay have been the vestigial influences, including elements of thecrossguard, the central eye at the base of the forked pommel, and protrusion along one side of the crossguard.The swords are generally distinct, and primarily distinguished by a carved hilt, sometimes in rarematerials such as bone, with a heavy crossguard and in most cases a bifurcated carved pommeldecorated with floral decoration called okir. The design of the pommel varies between ethnicgroups, but it is considered to depict a variety of animas most prominently as a buaya (crocodile).In some cases, the hilt also called a sumba in Maguindanoan is often carved and decorated withfloral decoration called okir. The especially finely decorated and designed hilts were mostassociated with Moro Datus, such as this sword. Moro Datus were the royals or gentry beneath thelevel of the Sultans and who provided troops to the Sultanate in times of war, but could themselveshave considerable power. The finest Philippine weapons are associated with Datu’s or the Sultansthemselves.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a fine example like belonging to a Datu as it is very finely decorated and made. The hilt appears to be very finely carved in (other than wood) natural material, inlaid with plugs of hair. The grip is wrapped in finely chased gilded brass also in okir motifs, and inset with brass coins and plaques, along the crossguard and thebase of the bifurcated pommel. The blade is a long example in the classic Moro shape with thesumba protrusion in good condition. The blade displays a potential lamellar pattern. An exceptional and very rare fine example made for a wealthy individual.Dating from late 19th – early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 42 3/4" Blade Length : 32 1/2".Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Barados, D., (1995) Land of the Morning: Treasures of the Philippines, San Francisco Craft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum ofCultural History4. Pigafetta, A. (2010). PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT OF MAGELLAN’S VOYAGE. InH. Stanley (Ed.), First Voyage Round the World by Magellan: Translated from the Accounts of Pigafetta and Other Contemporary Writers (Cambridge LibraryCollection – Hakluyt First Series, pp. 33-163). Cambridge: Cambridge UniversityPress5. Combes, F. (1667) Historia de Mindanao y Joy, por el p. Francisco Combs … Obrapublicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con colaboracin del p. Pablo Pastells …saca nuevamente Ãluz W. E. Retana. Madrid: [Viuda de M. Minuesa de los Rios]6. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of the Philippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print.Off..7. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art.Macau8. Macaraeg, R. (2009). "Pirates of the Philippines: a critical thinking exercise." Journalof Asian Martial Arts, 18 (3)9. Foy (1899) Schwerter von der Celebes-See. Dresden.Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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