Gunong with missing pommel

[T. Koch]

Originally Posted by Indianajones

Gonna make a wood endedhandle or a 'ivory'-one?? One sees quite some hippotooth and occasionally a whaletooth on antiquemarkets.

Wow, are there really documented cases of hippo ivory being used as gunong handles? There are no native hippopotamus anywhere in Asia, so the closest source would be East Africa. Wouldn't that make it the 'Unobtanium' of the times back then? Or was exclusivity exactly the point?

Cool knife - looking forward to the repair!


All the best, - Thor

[David]

Thor, i don't think anyone was suggesting that hippo ivory was traditionally used on gunong, just that there is some availability of that form of ivory on the market today.

[Indianajones]

Yep, indeed That is what I meant. Not so very (intrinsically) cultural correct as the Moros may never have seen/known hippos in their lives! The shape n form are (from the lower straight teeth) already 'handleshaped' and the endresult after grinding n sanding may just look the same as . . .

makes me think; was it seacow- or 'dugong'-teeth they used or perhaps whaletooth for the ivoryhandle. Am not sure if seacows do/did live in the Phill's and if whaletooth ever stranded there (never heard/seen myself).
Certainly have read about this question in one or two topics before but cant remember this answer was finally cleared up..?!?

[kai]

makes me think; was it seacow- or 'dugong'-teeth they used or perhaps whaletooth for the ivoryhandle. Am not sure if seacows do/did live in the Phill's and if whaletooth ever stranded there (never heard/seen myself).

No need to wait for a stranding: Both, dugong and sperm whale were hunted all over the archipelago.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Wow, are there really documented cases of hippo ivory being used as gunong handles? There are no native hippopotamus anywhere in Asia, so the closest source would be East Africa. Wouldn't that make it the 'Unobtanium' of the times back then? Or was exclusivity exactly the point?

Hippo ivory is very commonly seen with Sumatran/Malay keris hilts as well as other objects. There was very intense and ancient sea trade between East Africa (trading port for much of sub-saharan Africa) and SE Asia; from the examples I've seen, I don't think it was regarded more highly than elephant ivory.

I'm not certain having seen any Moro blade with hippo fittings but it wouldn't surprise me at all.

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

At first here some better pictures by daylight.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by T. Koch

Cool knife - looking forward to the repair!

All the best, - Thor

Thank you Thor, will keep you informed at this place.

Regards,

Detlef