Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 150:
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 form Malayprototypes and similar swords from Timor and Borneo are found in Dutch institutional collections, 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 theDayak of Borneo. Others contend that the Celebes islands are the origin for the Moro kampilan, and a representative example can be found here, which shows off the similarity with the Moro version.The kampilan also has a storied history and from the first-hand account of Magellan’s shipmate, Antonio Pigafetta, it is thought that Magellan was killed by the kampilan in the region of thesouthern Philippines. Later accounts during the Spanish conquest of the Philippines indicate thatthe kampilan was a favorite weapon of the Ilanuns (a Moro ethnic group from Mindanao and theWest Coast of Borneo), though this is difficult to explain (Demetrio 1991) as the length of akampilan approaches and exceeds one yard.The swords are generally very distinct, and primarily distinguished by a carved hilt, sometimes inrare materials such as bone such as this example, with a heavy crossguard and in most cases abifurcated carved pommel decorated with floral decoration called okir. The design of the pommelvaries between ethnic groups, but it is considered to depict a variety of animas most prominently asa buaya (crocodile). In some cases, the hilt also called a sumba in Maguindanoan is often carved and decorated with floral decoration called okir.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is one the finest of the kampilans in the World. Cato (1996) describes the bone handled kampilans as the property of wealthier Moros. This was due to the cost and aristocratic character of the raw material, as well as the expense of hiring a top-flight artisan who knew how to carve it properly. This example likely dates to the 1st quarter of the 20th century as it displays a refinement in the carving and inlay of metal, alongside with the metal rings of the grip that are indicative of post-Spanish American war period Philippine swords. However, this is likely not made for re-sale or tourists as the quality of the workmanship is superb and of the highest quality of Moro swords. The blade of classic kampilan form with several protrusions near the tip in the form of a sumba and with an aged patina but which may be due to poor cleaning over the years.Kampilans such as this example mounted in bone, would have been considered Datu’s swords.The Datu in Moro culture being the equivalent of a nobleman or gentry elsewhere, and who would have worn more expensive swords such as this example. They followed in importance the Moro sultans, whose rule was sanctioned by the Quran. The title of Datu and Rajah however, predated the coming of Islam but these titles were assimilated into the new structure when the Moros were Islamicized. In return for tribute and labor, the Datu provided aid in emergencies and advocacy in disputes with other communities and warfare through the Agama and Maratabat laws.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 49 1/4" Blade Length : 34"References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Barados, D., (1995) Land of the Morning: Treasures of the Philippines, San FranciscoCraft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum ofCultural History4. Demetrio, F. (1991). Encyclopedia of Philippine folk beliefs and customs. Volume 2:Folk medicine to weaponry. Cagayan de Oro City, R.P.: Xavier University5. Pigafetta, A. (2010). PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT OF MAGELLAN’S VOYAGE. InH. Stanley (Ed.), First Voyage Round the World by Magellan: Translated from theAccounts of Pigafetta and Other Contemporary Writers (Cambridge LibraryCollection – Hakluyt First Series, pp. 33-163). Cambridge: Cambridge UniversityPress.6. Combes, F. (1667) Historia de Mindanao y Joló, por el p. Francisco CombÃĩs … Obrapublicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboración del p. Pablo Pastells …saca nuevamente á luz W. E. Retana. Madrid: [Viuda de M. Minuesa de los Rios]7. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of thePhilippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print.Off.8. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art.Macau9. Macaraeg, R. (2009). "Pirates of the Philippines: a critical thinking exercise." Journalof Asian Martial Arts, 18 (3)10. Foy (1899) Schwerter von der Celebes-See. Dresden11. Demetrio, F. (1991). Encyclopedia of Philippine folk beliefs and customs. Volume 2:Folk medicine to weaponry. Cagayan de Oro City, R.P.: Xavier University.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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