Another Unusual Moro Kriss....any ideas??

[CharlesS]

Here is yet another Moro kriss variant. I have seen several brass pommel krisses, but not a fully cast brass hilt like this. The seam in the casting seems to be covered with yet another piece of highly detailed work to the bottom of the pommel.

Also note the high detailed and somewhat unusual belalai gajah and jenggot gajah(Indonesian terms for those parts), or lower guard. The 'elephant trunk' has not been shortened or broken, and appears higher and more notched than typical....if, indeed, that is the 'trunk'.

Any ideas regarding origins are welcomed. I have no reason to think this is anything other than Moro, but from where, more specifically?

[Spunjer]

most likely, maguindanao, charles, with the handle casted by a neighboring t'boli smith..

[CharlesS]

I wondered if there might be T'boli involvement....seems like every time a piece of brass orginates from the Philippines the T'boli or Bagobo become an option.

[apolaki]

what are those two silvery stripes on each end of the bottom of the sword's base called?

[Spunjer]

check out this bagobo sword (sorry, pics slightly out of focus):


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/9fe04354.jpg
middle


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v484/Spunjer/467447cb.jpg


the reason i said t'boli is because of their proximity to the maguindanao. but then again could be a Bagobo handiwork


apolaki, are you referring to the metal straps? if it is, depending on the tribe, it's either baka-baka, or asang-asang

[CharlesS]

Great pic/example Spunjer. Thanks.

I'm a little surprised now that we haven't seen other similar kriss examples.

[Battara]

Tboli are renowned for their brass work and are experts at casting solid brass hilts.

[David]

apolaki, are you referring to the metal straps? if it is, depending on the tribe, it's either baka-baka, or asang-asang
To take Ron's explanation a step further , these straps are used to secure the blade to the hilt. They are not merely decorative.

[Rick]

Also referred to as 'stirrups' by some . :)