Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

kai · 12th June 2023, 10:44 PM

Thanks, Ray, that is a very elegant blade as far as non-archaic pieces are concerned!

I'd guess this dates back to the mid-19th century. Also twistcore is rare with diamond cross-sections. Could you add dimensions, please?

Do you have pics of the original configuration even if damaged?

I'm afraid that I don't see much semblance of the crosspiece carving with the Filipino style shown; especially the mediterranean Acanthus motif seems to be missing. I'd rather posit that there seem to be Melayu ties: While most Malay motifs represent flowers with radial symmetry, a few may be shown in profile; also the vegetal/vine motif seems to be closer IMHO. For example, fairly similar flowers are shown in "Spirit of Wood" on pages 86-87 (top figure).

If not traditional Moro/Sulu ukkil, maybe more recent influence via Brunei?

Regards,
Kai

12th June 2023, 10:44 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,218	Thanks, Ray, that is a very elegant blade as far as non-archaic pieces are concerned! I'd guess this dates back to the mid-19th century. Also twistcore is rare with diamond cross-sections. Could you add dimensions, please? Do you have pics of the original configuration even if damaged? I'm afraid that I don't see much semblance of the crosspiece carving with the Filipino style shown; especially the mediterranean Acanthus motif seems to be missing. I'd rather posit that there seem to be Melayu ties: While most Malay motifs represent flowers with radial symmetry, a few may be shown in profile; also the vegetal/vine motif seems to be closer IMHO. For example, fairly similar flowers are shown in "Spirit of Wood" on pages 86-87 (top figure). If not traditional Moro/Sulu ukkil, maybe more recent influence via Brunei? Regards, Kai