Ebony and Ivory Pira (living in perfect harmony)

[Spunjer]

one of the least seen moro swords in cato's book is the pira. primarily a fighting sword, not too many specimens have embellished hilts. although i've seen some that has fantastic handle carvings, i haven't seen any that has the same pizazz as that of a decorated datu barung. well, search no more: the pira's answer to the flashy junggayan barung

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/c163da5d.jpg

handle made out of carabao horn embedded with ivory discs on all four sides. some are missing from the pic, but fortunately, they are all accounted for; it's just a matter of gluing them back to their designated cubby hole.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/f36291d9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/ae62eba1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/1e97291c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/14f25283.jpg

this must've been made for a Yakan datu. as you can see, the punto is silver, and what is neat, is a brass disc covering the area where the blade connects to the handle. i've only seen this feature on very high end krises. also, a palias (talismanic) hash mark on the spine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/b1a92d68.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/73c3f760.jpg

[Spunjer]

the blade itself is hugh; nineteen inches long. here it compared to a more common sized pira

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/dcc8811e.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/717232db.jpg

but what i really thought was really neat, is the matching kris that has been prolly waiting all these years.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/1328cd89.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/67b7dfaa.jpg

enjoy!

[Battara]

Thanks Spunger, nice piece and a rare variant of a rare puppy!

[migueldiaz]

yo spunjer, you just made me feel very miserable! ;) :D

congrats! very nice indeed :)

[Robert]

Spunjer,
Just a couple of things I would like to know. What kind of magic wand or divining rod are you using to find these wonderful items and can I borrow it? :D Another great find and addition to your collection.

Robert

[migueldiaz]

Just a couple of things I would like to know. What kind of magic wand or divining rod are you using to find these wonderful items and can I borrow it? :DRobert, I suspect Spunjer uses none other than a kampilan. And of course he uses the jaws of the "crocodile" as handles of the "divining rod" ;) :D

[Spunjer]

lol, i couldn't believe it when i saw it the first time. the handle threw me off so much that i thought it was indonesian at first. well, for a couple seconds anyways, til reality set it and realized it was a pira. i never seen this variant before. cato, in his book mentioned 'embellished hilt', but without any pics, so, just like Nessie and Bigfoot, where it's claimed they exist, but no clear pics, i reckon posting this beauty is pretty cool proof datu class pira exist.
btw, robert, sorry no magic wand, lol. just being vigilant...

[kino]

SCORE!!!

I think there's a presidential museum in Ohio that's missing a very nice Pira.
psssssstt, hoy, let me borrow the key to the back door, pare. ;)

[Spunjer]

lol, even mr. hayes didn't find this when he was in mindanao. :D

the kris was from a fellow forumite...

[carlos]

Ahhhhhh!!! :eek: Is ther most beautiful pira I have never seen !!! you must be the happiest man in the world!!
Best regards
carlos

[Spunjer]

thanks carlos. it's always nice to acquire them one of a kind piece. it warms the soul :cool: