Bangkung

Bangkung
Silhouette of a Typical Bangkung
TypeSword
Place of originSulu Archipelago, Philippines
Specifications
Blade typeSingle-edged, straight to slightly convex
Hilt typehardwood, woven rattan, metal
Scabbard/sheathhardwood, woven rattan

The bangkung or bangkon is a slashing weapon, meant to deliver hacking-type blows. It is a short sword originating in the Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines. The bangkung was used primarily by the Moro people of the Sulu and is not associated with Moros in other areas such as Mindanao, although it is sometimes found in coastal regions. While the bangkung is a very effective sword, it was not popular unlike the panabas and the pirah and for this reason it is one of the most rarely found Moro edged weapons. Few were produced and even fewer survive.