Maguindanao Kris with Fine Okir Hilt and Ivory Pommel

F. de Luzon · 30th March 2018, 11:29 AM

Hi Battara,

Below are pictures of the scabbard. The first one is the one it came with. I think it's a Sulu type. The mouth of the scabbard is slightly wider than the width of the gangya.

The second one is the scabbard of another kris that actually fits perfectly. It fits this blade much better than the one it came with. Since it's also a Sulu type, I kind of like it together. What do you think?

I hope to have the metal on the hilt tested soon and I'll let you know as soon as I have an update on that.

Thank you.

Fernando

CharlesS · 30th March 2018, 11:50 PM

Lovely kriss!

The holes along the spine of the pommel and they nearly straight line of dark patina there make we wonder if there was a silver or suassa band across the top.

Battara, your thoughts?

Battara · 31st March 2018, 12:48 AM

Regarding the patina around the top and back of the pommel, I was looking at that and have hesitated to comment. I think Charles that it is likely that there was a silver (I doubt true suassa) strap around the pommel. Thanks for pointing out the holes (I had to look a littler harder to see what you were talking about).

Regarding the scabbards: both were made later than the kris itself. The first one was made perhaps in the 1990s(?) and is not Sulu but looks more Maguindanao. The second scabbard is perhaps from the 1960s-1980s(?) and Sulu (based on the style of the scabbard as a whole). However the cloth mansala might be Maguindanao (need to see more of it).

However, glad to see some lamination in the blade. This for me definitely places the kris in the late 19th - early 20th century.

F. de Luzon · 31st March 2018, 03:10 AM

I was wondering about those holes and the dark patina, CharlesS. Thanks for pointing it out.

Salamat sa insights, Battara. I'm happy to know it came with a Maguindanao scabbard.

I've noticed that nicer scabbards (hardwood with okir/ukkil on brass rings) are usually later additions. They are heavier and more decorative compared to the evidently older scabbards that some of my krisses came with. Usually the older ones are no frills and practical. I think I'll start another thread on this.

30th March 2018, 11:29 AM	#1
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	Hi Battara, Below are pictures of the scabbard. The first one is the one it came with. I think it's a Sulu type. The mouth of the scabbard is slightly wider than the width of the gangya. The second one is the scabbard of another kris that actually fits perfectly. It fits this blade much better than the one it came with. Since it's also a Sulu type, I kind of like it together. What do you think? I hope to have the metal on the hilt tested soon and I'll let you know as soon as I have an update on that. Thank you. Fernando Attached Images

30th March 2018, 11:50 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Lovely kriss! The holes along the spine of the pommel and they nearly straight line of dark patina there make we wonder if there was a silver or suassa band across the top. Battara, your thoughts? Last edited by CharlesS; 31st March 2018 at 02:05 PM.

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31st March 2018, 12:48 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Regarding the patina around the top and back of the pommel, I was looking at that and have hesitated to comment. I think Charles that it is likely that there was a silver (I doubt true suassa) strap around the pommel. Thanks for pointing out the holes (I had to look a littler harder to see what you were talking about). Regarding the scabbards: both were made later than the kris itself. The first one was made perhaps in the 1990s(?) and is not Sulu but looks more Maguindanao. The second scabbard is perhaps from the 1960s-1980s(?) and Sulu (based on the style of the scabbard as a whole). However the cloth mansala might be Maguindanao (need to see more of it). However, glad to see some lamination in the blade. This for me definitely places the kris in the late 19th - early 20th century.

31st March 2018, 03:10 AM	#4
F. de Luzon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 184	I was wondering about those holes and the dark patina, CharlesS. Thanks for pointing it out. Salamat sa insights, Battara. I'm happy to know it came with a Maguindanao scabbard. I've noticed that nicer scabbards (hardwood with okir/ukkil on brass rings) are usually later additions. They are heavier and more decorative compared to the evidently older scabbards that some of my krisses came with. Usually the older ones are no frills and practical. I think I'll start another thread on this.