Size Difference of Moro Spears

BluErf · 11th December 2004, 05:40 AM

Variation in size of weaponries, at least in South East Asia, seemed quite common. There are little Javanese spear blades 5inches long and there are monsters 2-foot long, I've heard. Small ones could be for talismanic uses, large ones could be 'presentation' or 'ceremonial' ones, being too heavy or unwieldy to use. Or maybe it was the weapon of a particularly large warrior.

I've read about moro spears 18 inches long which were actually used, but this is the 1st time I'm seeing one.

Same thing happens in sundangs -- I've seen blades range from 18 inches to 27 inches.

Maybe there isn't much explanation to it. S.E.A. harbours lots of quirks. But that's part of cultural evolution in a region of ten thousand islands, isn't it.

BluErf · 11th December 2004, 05:53 AM

Oh yes, and maybe it also depends on how the spear is going to be used. Slashing spears tend to be broader and bigger, but maybe somewhat flatter. Thrusting spears can be shorter, narrower, but thicker in blade.

zamboanga · 11th December 2004, 06:10 AM

yakan budiaks average about 18 inches. there is a tausug spear here somewhere thats less than a foot. but i have to agree that size would depend on intended use.

Federico · 11th December 2004, 06:18 AM

Some explanation in the size variance maybe that some were meant for solely for throwing, others were meant for more lance type usage (hmmm...dunno if that makes sense), and others still for in between use.

11th December 2004, 06:10 AM	#3
zamboanga Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: zamboanga city, philippines Posts: 132	yakan budiaks average about 18 inches. there is a tausug spear here somewhere thats less than a foot. but i have to agree that size would depend on intended use. Attached Images

11th December 2004, 05:40 AM	#1
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Variation in size of weaponries, at least in South East Asia, seemed quite common. There are little Javanese spear blades 5inches long and there are monsters 2-foot long, I've heard. Small ones could be for talismanic uses, large ones could be 'presentation' or 'ceremonial' ones, being too heavy or unwieldy to use. Or maybe it was the weapon of a particularly large warrior. I've read about moro spears 18 inches long which were actually used, but this is the 1st time I'm seeing one. Same thing happens in sundangs -- I've seen blades range from 18 inches to 27 inches. Maybe there isn't much explanation to it. S.E.A. harbours lots of quirks. But that's part of cultural evolution in a region of ten thousand islands, isn't it.

11th December 2004, 05:53 AM	#2
BluErf Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,180	Oh yes, and maybe it also depends on how the spear is going to be used. Slashing spears tend to be broader and bigger, but maybe somewhat flatter. Thrusting spears can be shorter, narrower, but thicker in blade.

11th December 2004, 06:18 AM	#4
Federico Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA Posts: 312	Some explanation in the size variance maybe that some were meant for solely for throwing, others were meant for more lance type usage (hmmm...dunno if that makes sense), and others still for in between use.