The Philippines

philippines - areas


An index into my collection of edged weapons (collectively known as “sandata”) from the Philippine islands.  

An interesting and distinguishing fact about Philippine sword makers was that they also were astrologers who waited for auspicious conjunctions of planets before proceeding with each elaborate phase of the sword making ritual. Thus, the crafting of a sword could last a very long time.

All of the swords and knives used in warfare are collectively referred to by the ancient name "Kalis" or "Karis", and the term is still used today.

Luzon, and the mountain hill tribes

Visayas

Moroland: Home of the Moro People

     Mindanao

     Sulu Archipelago