Lantaka

A small bronze swivel cannon produced and used throughout maritime Southeast Asia, mounted along a vessel’s rails or even in its rigging. Moro pirate praus of the Sulu Archipelago typically carried several lantaka for close-range defense and offense against merchant shipping. Many surviving examples are highly decorated, reflecting the wealth and status of the chieftains who commissioned them.

Quick Facts

Weapon TypeArtillery
Era Used16th-19th century
Range / UseBoarding defense/Ship-to-ship
Notable UsersMoro pirates of Sulu and Mindanao

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