These past weeks Calla, Tayahn and I have been analysing parts of Philippine culture and we chose to do mythology and a weapon. Here is our work:
Bolo Kampilan
Kampilan is a traditional, long bladed sword from the Southern Philippines.
It weighs around 1.3 kgs and the length is at least 90-100 cm long.
The term “Kampilan” isn’t just a type of weapon but also a word that actually means sword. g
It has a single-edged blade that flares near the tip and different types of hilts
based on animals such as: Hornbill bird, Crocodile, Naga (type of snake), Cockatoo, Dragons and Lizards. (A hilt being the handle of the sword.)
The reason for the hilt being shaped like that, is just to symbolise an open mouth of a mythical creature. There is a rounded part on the hilt which is an eye of the animal that is created.
The hilt is sometimes wrapped with rattan to improve the grip. Rattan being joined stems from a palm tree.
There is also a guard just before the hilt to protect your hand from sliding upwards and getting cut.
The traditional materials to create this sword are a high quality steel used for the blade and then the hilt that is made from hardwood, bone or ivory which is then carved into the mouth of an animal.
It’s also a sign of heroism and resistance. It originated as an agricultural tool for tasks like clearing vegetation, over time; it evolved into a weapon used for closed quarter combat. It existed long before Spanish colonization During the revolution against Spanish colonial rule, the bolo became a symbol of freedom. Filipino revolutionaries, organized in the secret society known as the Katipunan, were known to carry bolos on their belts. The bolo remains in use today in Filipino martial arts, such as Arnis, and is still made as both a tool and a commemorative item.
This weapon is primarily used by the Moro people who are native muslim inhabitants.
They are the descendants of Malay, Indian and Arab.
Mythical Creature Tikbalang
A bony humanoid (half human from neck down and half horse on the head and feet/hooves with exaggeratedly long limbs and hands in twisted claws) shape-shifting, disappearing creature living in dense forests and remote areas if you are alone near or in a forest it will shape shift try take you in deeper and deeper then eventually leave you there very sick or likes making travelers go off course making them lost in the forest , playing tricks and pranks on people this legend is also a warning to never follow people into the woods and never trust strangers.
Tikbalang Song- Tikbalang