Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 192:
A rare and distinct form of a Moro sword, called a bangkung. The bangkung is a short, single-edged weapon that varies from 20 to 30 inches in length. Close to the hilt, the laminated blade is thick and narrow increasing in width towards the tip. The cutting edge often has a slight upward curve. Hilts on older bangkung were of the cockatoo style with a metal sleeve similar to the barung, like the example of the Schmiedt Collection, while those made sincethe mid-20th century have horse hoof pommels wrapped with braided cord. The bangkung is a rare sword and is most closely associated with the Sulu Moros and the Yakan.This particular form was not used by the Mindanao Moro. The origin of the sword is mostclosely related to Indonesian swords from regions south of the Moro lands and the closestparallel are the numerous form of klewang and kampilan derivations of the Celebes and Timor.On this example, the rounded blade is distinctly non-Moro in form and derives from Indonesian prototypes (Cato 1996).This example in the Schmiedt Collection is in fine condition with a well-toned wooden grip, brass ferrule with no damage and a finely patterned iron blade with a down curved edge.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 25 1/4" Blade Length : 19 3/4" References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro Swords. Graham Brash2. Macau Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in Eastern Asia A View on theDevelopment of Weaponry. Macau Museum of Art.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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