Original Item: One Only. This is a very nice curved short sword from the Philippines, as used by the Moro people. 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.

This knife is made in a curved, almost sickle like design, except it is sharpened on the outer edge. It is in contained in a nicely engraved wooden scabbard. This example dates to the early 20th century period, and has a 11 1/8 inch curved blade, with an overall length of 14 5/8 inches. The blade is just over an inch wide at its widest point. The grip is made from a single piece of wood, with the tang of the blade pressed in directly and most likely glued in place with plant resin. 

It comes contained in the original wood scabbard nicely bound with braided plant fibers in 9 places. It shows some wear but does not seem to be missing any wood. There is a bolster for attachment of a waist or shoulder strap, but there is not one installed.

Please See Stone's Glossary page 390 to see various styles of these Philippine Moro Swords. 

Very interesting and ready to display!