Moro ‘Kurab-a-Kulang’ Armour
Price
Status
Available
Region
South East Asia (Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines)
(Mindanao, Moro people, the Philippines)
Period
19th century
Materials
Brass, Silver, Horn
Description
The Islamic Moro people of the Southern Philippines are known for their very own type of arms and armour. Their armour was inspired by the Spanish soldiers from the 16th and 17th century and consists of plates, alternated with brass chainmail. The local term for these armored vests is ‘Kurab-a-Kulang’ . The plates vary from brass or copper to buffalo horn and are sometimes decorated with silver sheet plaques. The front buckles are made of silver and hook perfectly in the brass protrusion which closes the armored shirt, a feature often seen on Islamic armor.
A young Moro warrior wearing a ‘Kurab-a Kulang’ armour, late 19th century. source: Pew-Pew Tactical
Moro ‘Kurab-a-Kulang’ Armour
Condition
Excellent condition, some mail chain was professionally restored. Two plates have old cracks.
Dimensions
Length: 14.5cm
Height: 10.4cm
Weight
Comparable items
Provenance
French private collection
Literature
– Georgge Cameron Stone ‘A Glossary of the construction, decoration and use of Arms and Armor’ p.62
– Herbert W. Krieger ‘The Collection of Primitive Weapons and Armor of the Philippine Islands in the United States National Museum’
Photo Gallery Moro ‘Kurab-a-Kulang’ Armour
