Code PP28
This is a kampilan sword, carried by the Moros of Sulu and Mindanao, Philippines. The kampilan is considered to be their "national weapon", although many different types of swords can be found in the region. The kampilan is frequently cited in documents from the Spanish Conquistadors during the colonization of Spain from 1565 to 1898.
The kampilan is the longest sword carried by Moro warriors. The overall length of this example is 36 ¼ inches. The blade is ¼ inch thick at the bolster, tapering distally along the spine to a double edge at the flare. The blade terminus and tip is one of the five types described by Cato in his book, "Moro Swords" (See link below). There are various theories about the meaning, if any, of the holes in the blade.
The hilt is in the shape of the open jaws of Buaya (crocodile) which is linked historically to the Naga (serpent or dragon), a design motif found across all of South East Asia.
See Also: Parts of a Moro Kampilan (Nomenclature), Kampilan Blade Terminus Variants