Two Kampilans For Comparison - One Modern, One Older…

[kai]

Hello Jose,

do you refer to the cavity at the lower part of the pommel?

The hypothesis in the original posting is correct:

Interestingly there are no holes for hair plugs - there is simply a small trench. My supposition is that a small wooden tray would have been made with holes - the hair would have been affixed, then the tray inserted into the cavity we see today.

I have seen a few kampilan with this way to attach the hair. Actually, the "tray" does not have holes and the hair is arranged along the outer rim (the hair is bound into little bundles and notches can help to keep them in place).

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Here's another example with the rare hair attachment variant - sorry not really visible from the pics.

I believe Albert has another example and he might be faster than me in supplying a close-up...

Regards,
Kai