Another Moro Bangkung Variation

kai · 4th June 2017, 08:18 AM

Thanks for sharing, Charles!

The blade looks heavy - how much does it weight?

Max. thickness would be of interest, too!

Regards,
Kai

Ian · 4th June 2017, 02:46 PM

Hi Charles:

Very nice example. Bangkung do come in a variety of sizes and Cato makes the point that many of the less common Moro weapons were derived from tools originally designed for chopping or slashing vegetation.

I think this one was designed as a weapon. The nicely carved scabbard and the silver (?) punto underneath the woven grip seem too refined for a simple tool.

The carving on the wooden section of the hilt seems a bit unusual for Moro work and reminds me of the hulu rumpung seen on sikin panjang. The file work on the end of the blade is also unusual for Moro work. I've seen similar work on the end of small T'boli kampilans, and I have a couple of choppers from mainland SE Asia with similar designs. One of these is probably from Vietnam and has some features on the hilt suggesting Chinese influence.

I like this bangkung -- it is a very interesting piece that seems to have elements suggesting cross-cultural influences.

Ian.

CharlesS · 5th June 2017, 02:21 PM

Thanks for the observation Ian!

I was basing my "tool/chopper" analysis strictly on the location of the tempered edge, noting it was nowhere close to the tip. What you see in the 2nd photo of the temper line is the end of it(where the glare starts). I would have assumed that a fighting blade would carry to temper on a flat line edge all the way to the tip like we see on most kampillans. But, you have a good point in that it is a bit "dressy" for a working blade.

Ian · 5th June 2017, 05:04 PM

Thanks for the additional information Charles. The possible forward extension of the hardened edge seemed to be obscured by the glare in the original photo. I did not realize that the hardening stopped there.

Yes, it seems a bit odd that the hardened edge would not extend all the way to the tip. It's not uncommon to see a hardened edge stop short of the hilt, but not short of the tip. Is the blade etched or is this the natural polish? Etching/further etching might show something more towards the tip.

Ian

4th June 2017, 08:18 AM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Thanks for sharing, Charles! The blade looks heavy - how much does it weight? Max. thickness would be of interest, too! Regards, Kai

4th June 2017, 02:46 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Hi Charles: Very nice example. Bangkung do come in a variety of sizes and Cato makes the point that many of the less common Moro weapons were derived from tools originally designed for chopping or slashing vegetation. I think this one was designed as a weapon. The nicely carved scabbard and the silver (?) punto underneath the woven grip seem too refined for a simple tool. The carving on the wooden section of the hilt seems a bit unusual for Moro work and reminds me of the hulu rumpung seen on sikin panjang. The file work on the end of the blade is also unusual for Moro work. I've seen similar work on the end of small T'boli kampilans, and I have a couple of choppers from mainland SE Asia with similar designs. One of these is probably from Vietnam and has some features on the hilt suggesting Chinese influence. I like this bangkung -- it is a very interesting piece that seems to have elements suggesting cross-cultural influences. Ian.

5th June 2017, 02:21 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks for the observation Ian! I was basing my "tool/chopper" analysis strictly on the location of the tempered edge, noting it was nowhere close to the tip. What you see in the 2nd photo of the temper line is the end of it(where the glare starts). I would have assumed that a fighting blade would carry to temper on a flat line edge all the way to the tip like we see on most kampillans. But, you have a good point in that it is a bit "dressy" for a working blade.

5th June 2017, 05:04 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Thanks for the additional information Charles. The possible forward extension of the hardened edge seemed to be obscured by the glare in the original photo. I did not realize that the hardening stopped there. Yes, it seems a bit odd that the hardened edge would not extend all the way to the tip. It's not uncommon to see a hardened edge stop short of the hilt, but not short of the tip. Is the blade etched or is this the natural polish? Etching/further etching might show something more towards the tip. Ian