kris Maranao named

tanaruz · 6th September 2025, 12:29 PM

Hi,

A recent acquisition: a Maranao kris with a person's name engraved. The seller claimed this piece to be of Maguindanao (age: approx 70 years old). But looking at the 'elephant part' of the kris it points to it being of Maranao origin (pls correct me if im wrong).

We'll try to research the name on the blade.

Kind regards,

Yves

Ian · 8th September 2025, 06:03 AM

The blade and dress point to Maguindanao origin I think. The space enclosed by the elephant trunk is circular and the trunk is horizontal. This usually suggests a Maguindanao origin. The absence of side extensions on the sampir is mostly a Maguindanao trait. The minimalist shape of the kakatua pommel is also seen on some post WWII Maguindanao kris. I agree with your estimate of age.

tanaruz · 8th September 2025, 12:16 PM

Thank you Ian.

Warmest regards

Yves

Sajen · 9th September 2025, 04:42 PM

I think that the blade is older than 70 years!

Ian · 10th September 2025, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

I think that the blade is older than 70 years!

The blade could be a bit older. The dress looks mid-20th C.

Sajen · 11th September 2025, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

The blade could be a bit older. The dress looks mid-20th C.

Agree regarding the dress but the blade has a separate gangya so it will be antique I guess.

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 11th September 2025, 10:56 AM

Hi Detlef.

A separate gangya occurred on some Moro kris blades made in the second half of the 20th C, and even on blades made today by traditional panday. Malayan blades still preserve a separate gangya on their large kris form.

I suspect that Yves' blade may date from the 1930s-1940s. The markedly V-shaped tip is a post-1900 feature. The "arrow head" carved areas have flat grooves with square shoulders, suggesting to me the use of power tools to create them. A similar arrow head appearance occurs sometimes on Malayan kris blades from the mid-1900s and later (I am using kris to refer to the large, Moro-like, Malayan kris, not to Malayan keris).

Despite being relatively recent, the various styles of 20th C Moro kris have not been dated precisely.

tanaruz · Yesterday, 11:59 PM

Hi friends,

much thanks for these inputs. Appreciate it.

Yves

David · Today, 03:20 PM

I also feel this one is older than 70 years old. I used to have a very similar kris to this that was once Federico's Moro Sword website. I have always thought this one was at least pre-WWII.

6th September 2025, 12:29 PM	#1
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 280	kris Maranao named Hi, A recent acquisition: a Maranao kris with a person's name engraved. The seller claimed this piece to be of Maguindanao (age: approx 70 years old). But looking at the 'elephant part' of the kris it points to it being of Maranao origin (pls correct me if im wrong). We'll try to research the name on the blade. Kind regards, Yves Attached Images

8th September 2025, 12:16 PM	#3
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 280	kris maranao named Thank you Ian. Warmest regards Yves

Yesterday, 11:59 PM	#8
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 280	Kris Maranao named Hi friends, much thanks for these inputs. Appreciate it. Yves

Today, 03:20 PM	#9
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,236	I also feel this one is older than 70 years old. I used to have a very similar kris to this that was once Federico's Moro Sword website. I have always thought this one was at least pre-WWII. Attached Images

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8th September 2025, 06:03 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,469	The blade and dress point to Maguindanao origin I think. The space enclosed by the elephant trunk is circular and the trunk is horizontal. This usually suggests a Maguindanao origin. The absence of side extensions on the sampir is mostly a Maguindanao trait. The minimalist shape of the kakatua pommel is also seen on some post WWII Maguindanao kris. I agree with your estimate of age.

9th September 2025, 04:42 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,316	I think that the blade is older than 70 years!

11th September 2025, 10:56 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,469	Hi Detlef. A separate gangya occurred on some Moro kris blades made in the second half of the 20th C, and even on blades made today by traditional panday. Malayan blades still preserve a separate gangya on their large kris form. I suspect that Yves' blade may date from the 1930s-1940s. The markedly V-shaped tip is a post-1900 feature. The "arrow head" carved areas have flat grooves with square shoulders, suggesting to me the use of power tools to create them. A similar arrow head appearance occurs sometimes on Malayan kris blades from the mid-1900s and later (I am using kris to refer to the large, Moro-like, Malayan kris, not to Malayan keris). Despite being relatively recent, the various styles of 20th C Moro kris have not been dated precisely.