Description
Blade Length:27.25″
Overall Length: 37.5″
Kampilan – According to Filipino history, the Kampilan is believed to be the sword that struck down the famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, at the hands of 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. They are considered the national weapon of the Moros of Sulu & Mindanao. History shows a single swinging motion (like a baseball bat swing), can chop two heads ( what these swords are designed for) at a time. It is believed to be the longest sword carried by the Filipino warriors. The Kampilan is the most documented swords by the Spanish Conquistadors during their occupation of the Philippines from 1565 to 1898.
The Kampilan is a heavy double pointed sword with a rich history in the Philippines. As maintained by tradition, the Kampilan is about 38″ to 44″ with a carved hilt with a single edge. Kampilans were widely used as “head-hunting” swords on enemies in the southern Philippines. The handle is shaped like a jaw of reptile lizards and alligator makes this sword unique in appearance. Nobody is really quite sure whether the serpent on these weapons represents a crocodile, a dragon, a snake, Bakunawa (a mythical creature known to eat the moon), or other mythical Naga (Baybayin word for a deity or class of entity, taking the form of a very great snake or serpent). To make matters more confusing, the best weapons experts in the Philippines (and other countries) continually categorized the dragon-like hilt as a crocodile or an alligator as fact. In the past, strands of hair are attached to the pommel of the handle for a more appealing and intimidating look.
This is one dangerous sword in the hands of a skilled Kampilan wielder. Despite its size, like many Filipino sword, the skill is in the deceptive fighting methods typical of this particular weapon.
Speculation has it the Laring, and the Gayang may be spinoffs of the old style Kampilan going back to the days of Lapu Lapu. There is no accurate proof on that right now so we will not say one way or another, but Ron kosakowski is continuing to research to find out the true facts on this rumor.
