Large Moro Klewang sword from Mindanao ‘Kampilan’

Very nice large and heavy-bladed Moro sword from the Southern Philppines, Mindanao. Very sculptural piece carved simply from dense golden wood, the grip bound with woven rattan bands and cord. The crossguard of a rare type with one sided scrolling round, the underside reinforced with a brass plate. Really nice heavy quality blade, super thick at the forte, signs of lamellar pattern welding, the tip very sharp on both sides and with a fretted pierced decoration along the back edge, inlaid with dots of alternating metals. Complete with scabbard ( reglued strip along back edge). A very nice and interesting example of these under-rated sword, circa 1900.