Southeast Asia, Philippines, Mindanao Island, T'boli culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. This is a handsome steel sword with a decorative brass handle and wood scabbard. The Damascus steel blade is straight and single-edged, and near the tip of the spine are cut / filed notches and pointed spike. The brass hilt has a dangling chain design that catches the eye and creates a low tinkling sound, softly announcing the owner. The wood sheath is simple with iron bands holding the wood together, and the wood is engraved with geometric motifs and highlighted with red and white pigment. This type is often known as kampilan or tok swords by collectors since "kampilan" is the Tagalog word for sword and the T'boli word is "tok." Size in sheath: 28" L x 2.5" W (71.1 cm x 6.4 cm); blade only: 20" L x 1.5" W (50.8 cm x 3.8 cm)

The kampilan is among the swords most extensively documented by the Spanish Conquistadors during their occupation of the Philippines from 1565 to 1898. These swords were wielded initially to fend off raiders and later to resist Spanish attempts at subjugating the Moro people under colonial rule. A brass-handled sword like this, adorned with dangling embellishments, was typically associated with the aristocracy or datu class, serving as both a symbol of prestige and a functional weapon. Despite its ornamental features, this kampilan has a very sharp and lethal blade!

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, ex-JP Richardson Collection, Private Museum, MASS

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#113475

Expected wear but overall great condition. Blade is still sharp! Patina and dark toning to metal areas.