Moro kris

Ian · 31st December 2024, 01:30 PM

Hello Maurice,

Interesting kris you show. I think there are some style features that reflect different Moro groups, but mainly Sulu. The blade has shallow waves and is not very long (~19.5 in.). The shallow waves suggest second half of the 19th C, but the somewhat short blade would be consistent with a little earlier. So mid- to late-19th C seems about right.

The shallow waves suggest a possible Sulu origin because my own research has found that such blades are more commonly in Sulu dress than Mindanao, at least on the examples I have found from various sources on the internet.

The elephant trunk area is consistent with some older Sulu kris. I can see why Detlef thought it might be Maranao/Mindanao because of the slight bulge to the gandhik, but Maranao "tusks" are horizontal while this one is tilted down somewhat. Nevertheless, Detlef could be correct. The engraved asang asang is usually a Maranao trait but is seen also on a few Sulu kris.

The diminutive kakatua pommel with side panels is found widely on Moro kris during the 19th C, including Sulu and Mindanao examples. This small style seems to have been favored on combat weapons rather than weapons to display your self-importance. A small pommel likely had some practical value.

The grip of the hilt is mostly in a basket-weave pattern, and I believe this style is mainly used on Sulu kris. The silver wire work looks oversize for the rest of the hilt (especially the pommel), and I suspect it was a replacement.The break to the wooden core of the grip is a fairly common finding. I have several examples. Perhaps the silver wire wrap was intended to provide some splinting for the break.

The scabbard is a later replacement from the 20th C when MOP inlays were fashionable, especially post WWII. You note that the kris does not fit very well in the scabbard and I suspect that it was not made for this sword.

Overall, this looks a well made kris for someone of modest wealth. It was made for use and not for show, although the addition of the silver wrap to the hilt may have been for bling as well as function.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

31st December 2024, 01:30 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Hello Maurice, Interesting kris you show. I think there are some style features that reflect different Moro groups, but mainly Sulu. The blade has shallow waves and is not very long (~19.5 in.). The shallow waves suggest second half of the 19th C, but the somewhat short blade would be consistent with a little earlier. So mid- to late-19th C seems about right. The shallow waves suggest a possible Sulu origin because my own research has found that such blades are more commonly in Sulu dress than Mindanao, at least on the examples I have found from various sources on the internet. The elephant trunk area is consistent with some older Sulu kris. I can see why Detlef thought it might be Maranao/Mindanao because of the slight bulge to the gandhik, but Maranao "tusks" are horizontal while this one is tilted down somewhat. Nevertheless, Detlef could be correct. The engraved asang asang is usually a Maranao trait but is seen also on a few Sulu kris. The diminutive kakatua pommel with side panels is found widely on Moro kris during the 19th C, including Sulu and Mindanao examples. This small style seems to have been favored on combat weapons rather than weapons to display your self-importance. A small pommel likely had some practical value. The grip of the hilt is mostly in a basket-weave pattern, and I believe this style is mainly used on Sulu kris. The silver wire work looks oversize for the rest of the hilt (especially the pommel), and I suspect it was a replacement.The break to the wooden core of the grip is a fairly common finding. I have several examples. Perhaps the silver wire wrap was intended to provide some splinting for the break. The scabbard is a later replacement from the 20th C when MOP inlays were fashionable, especially post WWII. You note that the kris does not fit very well in the scabbard and I suspect that it was not made for this sword. Overall, this looks a well made kris for someone of modest wealth. It was made for use and not for show, although the addition of the silver wrap to the hilt may have been for bling as well as function.