Cleveland Museum of Art

Sword (Kampilan)

Date

before 1916

Medium

Blade: forged steel; handle: wood with braided cane cord

Culture

Philippines, Mindanao

Department

Oceania

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This sword features a long, straight, single-edged steel blade that widens near the tip. The hilt is carved from dark hardwood and takes the shape of a stylized zoomorphic figure, possibly a bird, buwaya (crocodile), or naga . The materials, carving style, and blade form correspond to kampilan -type swords made among the Maranao and Maguindanao people of northern and central Mindanao. The kampilan was both a functional weapon and a symbol of warrior status.

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