Item Description
Original Item: One Set Only. This is a fantastic WWII USGI Bring Back set from the Philippines, consisting of Kampilan and Kalis short swords, as used by the Moro people. Included with these is a fantastic WEAPONS of MOROLAND display board, showing the massive variety of different styles of daggers, machetes, bolo knives, and shorts swords used on the various islands. They are all hand made from sheet aluminum and wood, and there are even examples of their shields and spears! The shield-shaped board itself measures 18"H x 14"W, and is made from light plywood.
The collective term Moro people or Bangsamoro people refers to the 13 Islamized ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. They had fought against the United States during the Philippine-American War of 1899 - 1902, in which the Moro tribe rebelled against American rule. The insurrection had been going on since the early 1890s, when the Spanish still claimed the Philippines as their Colony. However, after their defeat by the United States in the Spanish American War, the Philippine islands were ceded to the U.S.. Most of the Moro tribe actually continued the struggle until their final defeat in 1913.
During WWII, The Moros fought against the Japanese occupation of Mindanao and Sulu during World War II and eventually drove them out. Also when the Japanese occupied the northern Borneo area, they also helped their relatives there in a struggle to fight off the Japanese where many of them, including women and children, were massacred after their revolt with the Chinese had been foiled by the Japanese.
When the U.S. defeated Japan and the Philippines were freed, many U.S. serviceman brought back mementos from the Islands, which sadly had suffered large losses of life due to Japanese occupation.
The first sword in this set is in the traditional Kalis (kris) style and form. The basic design is the same throughout the area, but only in the Philippine Islands did it evolve into a sword. This example has a 25 inch slightly curved double edged blade, and measures 31 inches in overall length. It is about 1 1/2 inches wide for most of the blade, and tapers to a point at the tip. The bottom of the blade has some ornamentation added, which looks to be made from iron sheet metal. The grip is bound with string, most likely a post war repair, and has a burl wood pommel of simple design.
The second sword in this set is the iconic Kampilan, believed to be the main sword that struck down the famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan by the legendary Chief Lapu-lapu. Originally dual pointed with a carved hilt, these swords of the Moros of Sulu and Mindanao are carried by warriors who are in the first line of defense; and actually are considered a national weapon of the Moros of Sulu & Mindanao. Later designs such as this one have a more traditional point to them. The handle is shaped like a jaw of reptile lizards and alligator makes this sword unique in appearance.
Our example is typical of the more recent made ones from the early 20th century, with less ornamentation. It has the iconic grip, wrapped with plant fibers. The blade has a full edge on one side, with a half edge on the more "rounded" side, which is somewhat counter intuitive. It is possible that the blade was altered from it's original form.
Please See Stone's Glossary page 390 to see various styles of these Philippine Moro Swords.
A fantastic display set, ready to go up on the wall!
Specifications (Kalis):-
Blade length: 25”
Blade Style: Wavy "Kris"
Overall length: 31”
Specifications (Kampilan):-
Blade length: 28 1/4”
Blade Style: Kampilan Double Edge
Overall length: 38”
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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