The Collection of Primitive Weapons and Armor of the Philippine Islands in the United States National Museum

Discover how Philippine weapons and armor came to the Smithsonian, and why they matter to world history. The book provides a concise history of the weapon collections from the Philippine Islands in the United States National Museum. It covers early accessions from 1838–1842, the role of military officers in building the collection, and the expansion of holdings after major conflicts. You’ll see how collectors gathered swords, daggers, bows, shields, and armor, and how these items reflect cultural exchange and changing technology. - Learn how the collection grew from exploratory voyages to a comprehensive archive of Filipino and Moro weapon types. - See how items are described, classified, and compared across eras and regions. - Understand the social and ceremonial roles of weapons like the bolo, kris, and kampilan. - Get a clear sense of material culture, including metalwork, woodwork, and decorative elements. Ideal for readers of ethnology and military history who want a grounded view of Philippine arms and armor as collected by major museums. Read more