KAMPILAN/Maguindanao/Maranao/Iranun Population
TEMPERED IDENTITY
The kampilan is a long, single-edged blade that can be wielded with two hands. Its shape is unmistakable. The Kampilan’s long heavy blade is inversely tapered, smaller near the hilt and gradually widens to a truncated distal end. It has a definite sharp point and spikelet that follows the thrust of the main tip. The kampilan’s huge cross-guards, usually made of hardwood, may sometimes contain rows of metal rods bent into rows of U-shaped loops as added protection to the hand. Local variants of the kampilan, like the one from the Lanao region, tend to have stylized floral motif (okir) on its hilts, cross-guards, and scabbards. Lace-like details and metal peggings are also found where the dull back curves sharply opposite the blade’s cutting edge. Researchers have often wondered about the representational value of the kampilan’s distinctive open V–shaped handle. Comparative studies of zoomorphic blade-handle shapes and symbolisms across Southeast Asia reveal that most are idealistic representations of bird and serpent motifs. One suggestion is that this shape represents a Naga head, a circle invariably appears behind the open V, where an eye should be. It is also assumed that the open V represents a crocodile’s gaping jaw. Ornamentation like tufts of animal hair tassels (usually horsehair) on one side of the handle denotes rank. The origin of the word kampilan remains unknown, although it is a representative of a sword type common in the Philippines and around the Celebes Sea. The kampilan was the most documented sword by the Spanish conquistadors during their occupation of the Philippines. It is a bladed weapon that figures in the symbolic world of the Filipinos; collectively imagined in the hands of Lapu-Lapu during the battle of Mactan, and the ancient epic characters Lam-Ang and Bantugan. It is commonly used in Mindanao by the Iranun, Maguindanao, and the Maranao warriors but is seldom found in Sulu, where the characteristic weapons are the kris and the barung.