Holy Grail

[David]

I think Bill's example that you link to her is pretty close for me, but i also think that this is pretty much a personal matter. I don't think a general "holy grail" exists.

[Jazz]

Of course there is, David. we just haven't established it yet.

[Battara]

Jazz - your wish is granted:

(the eyes are silver coins, the "staple" is silver, and the grip is made of alternating silver and copper okir bands)

[Battara]

Here is the piece with the scabbard carved in Maranao okir the entire length of the scabbard (it is in 2 pieces and in break away form).

[Nathaniel]

Fun thread...all this talk about the Holy Grail had me thinking of Indian Jones and Last Crusade...I know this is geeky, but remember at the end when they have to choose the grail among a whole collection of goblets? The fancy one turned the guy to dust! And it was the plain cup of the carpenter that was the real grail! Anyways, so the real grail should be both rare and functional...not just fancy :P Nah, well, I understand though, just a fun topic for discussion

[Jazz]

thank you for posting your kampilan, Battara! that's a real nice one. anybody else?

[Maurice]

To me it could be the combination with provenance, even without ivory and gold...

[Indianajones]

Anyone called me? ; Indiana Jones!?
This may be something totally different than a Kampilan, a Barongs or Kerisses, but its the 'Holy Grail' (or one of them) for me; a rare N.-Philippine
Ilongot-tribe cutlass.
Unfortunately I do not (yet??!!) own one of these beauties and hope the owner of this one doesnt mind using the pics.
If anyone has/knows one for sale . . .?? Would offer a good sum for one spec. with scabbard! (which can have different forms but mostly with an 'elbow'form)

But I know of a few other 'Holy grails' as well as I guess each tribe has its own ultimate beautyful/gracefull (and therefore rare and wanted) object! And when you think you've seen it all; you encounter an even better one!

[David]

Originally Posted by Jazz

Of course there is, David. we just haven't established it yet.

Sorry Jazz, i disagree. Tastes vary far too widely amongst collectors for there ever to be agreement on a "holy grail" of Moro weapons. The comparison is weird anyway. The Holy Grail is a singular article of desired attainment. As collectors we never desire just one thing. And it is not desired because it is necessarily beautifully crafted or stunningly decorated, but because of how it was used and whose lips it reportedly touched (and as the story goes, whose blood it may have once held).
You might come closer narrowing down the field asking for a "holy grai"l of kris, or kampilan, or barong, etc. But even then tastes will vary. Not everyone likes fancy, pretty weapons. Some collectors prefer a good battle blade to a dandied up datu weapon. Maybe my ideal of the "holy grail" of kris is not the pretty, perfect weapon, but the one historically known to have brought down some high ranking American officer in battle. That would be more in keeping with the grail concept anyway as the actual Holy Grail, if such a thing does exist, is most probably a modest little cup that had a fantastic history, not some silver or gold jewel encrusted thing.
I am afraid that you or anybody else will never be able to establish what i like personally. It just can't be done.
That said this thread is a great opportunity to show off everyone's best and favorite Moro weapons. So bring 'em on fellas. But i can assure you nothing will be establishes by it.

[Rick]

I'm about full up on personal Grails meself .

Rick

[Indianajones]

OEPS . . . . .I apparently overread that this is a quest for the 'Holy Grail' of MORO arms . . . .. . .sorry to disrubt the thread!

Guess I wont bother you with this dusty boring Northern shield I found in my attic!

[Jazz]

thank you for the clarification, David!!! You have an excellent point. Not to mention, there are still Moro weapons out there that is still "undiscovered", so yeah, it's pretty hard to say. And yes, you are right about provenance as well.

You might come closer narrowing down the field asking for a "holy grai"l of kris, or kampilan, or barong, etc.

This is exactly what I am trying to figure out. so ok, maybe not THE Holy Grail, but close would be good

Again, on Cato's book, the picture of the Kris and the Barong that were attributed to the sultan or well-off datu, the ones with gold fitting, would be as close to a holy grail in their particular field. Too bad there's no close ups. But being so rare and exquisite looking, I'm sure moro enthusiasts wouldn't mind having any of these pieces in their collection!

hello, indianajones, is that a barong?

[KuKulzA28]

Well, for those who like to swing their weapons around... the holy grail could be one that seems to just come alive in their hand. Like, the warrior who had this years and years before me must have appreciated a grip-size and balance similar to my tastes....

With blades there are many nice pamor blades, amazing wootz and twistcore, lovely ivory, gold, swassa, silver, etc... interesting provenances...
Just as with guns there are the "holy grails" of finely crafted damscus barrels, extremely handsome walnut stocks, and silverwork done on the locks - all the way to high-tech plastics, tactical stocks and accessories, extremely rugged and powerful scopes, cold hammer forged chrome lined barrels... Vasili Zaitsev's rifle, or your Grandfather's Tompson, or even George Washington's own pistol....
or even with say, bows... some preferring composite bows made of horn, bone, and wood... others preferring a simple self-bow made of yew or Osage... and still others feel their holy grail is a modern made synthetc bow with all the pulleys and sights and stuff...

But sometimes a weapon will just feel "meant to be" in your hand. Not just "oh that's a nice blade" but, "wow, I can't believe this was not custom made for my hand and my preferences". That, to me, is a holy grail.