A Very Unsual Moro Spear

[CharlesS]

This is another spear I recently picked up. I have little doubt it is Moro. It is about 7ft. long, features a finely forged blade that is fullered and laminated...but I am having a devil of a time bringing it out.

The unique thing about it is the octagonal brass ferrule and octagonal haft. The haft only becomes circular at the bottom just before it transitions into a nicely carved horn butt piece.

I have never seen anything remotely like the haft or ferrule on a Moro spear.

Anyone else seen something like this on a Moro spear??

Any input is appreciated!

[Battara]

W :eek: W! What a nice piece! I like it and I am with you - a Moro piece. Not sure how early but the bamboo like bands on it make me think it could be Sulu. Very pristine. One of your best budiak.

Congrats!

[CharlesS]

I am wondering if the octagonal work is an influence of what Moros may have seen on European pole arms...just a thought.

[Gavin Nugent]

A fine piece regardless!!!

[Rick]

Charles, the horse-hoof kris pommel is octagonal .
As are some barung hilts .
Why not a spear shaft ?

[CharlesS]

Good point Rick...just seems like so much work.

[Spunjer]

For sure, this is an unusual type. An exception rather than the rule. We've seen non-native materials incorporated on Moro weapons before. Heck, i've seen a bottle bottom placed in the middle of the shield for decoration purposes. The more i look at this particular ferrule, the more i think that it could be chalked into the same category. I noticed that the base of the spearpoint is round. It seems off somehow... Just my 2 cents

[Rick]

Good point Rick...just seems like so much work.

When we make a spar for a vessel we take it first to an octagonal form and then down to round from there .

I don't know about how much harder it would be; I do know that I covet that spear !

Want !!!!!!

[Lew]

Sweet spear! The shaft seems to be narra wood? Charles does it again ;) .

[CharlesS]

Spunjer,

The base of the spearhead is also octagonal, but over time it has shifted so that it is no longer in alignment with the octagonal ferrule. It does sort of give it a round appearance, but it is not.

[Sajen]

Congrats Charles,

I fall in love with it! :) ;) :D

Regards,

Detlef

[Spunjer]

thanks for the clarification, Charles! take it with ya to the louisville show. i would love to look at it closely...