Maranao Sundang

[Spunjer]

Originally Posted by Gustav

Ron, would you see the bird also this way then? As I said, with Juggayan it makes some sense, yet with simpler forms...

hello Gustav,
yes. on the pommel of the kris in the picture you've provided, you could see the profile of the sarimanok, the mythical chicken venerated throughout Moroland. meanwhile, the more common types (I've attached a picture below, in the same position) is just that, a less elaborate form of the junggayan pommel, but nevertheless, it's the same motif. notice the triangular appendage (with a curly cue tip) on the side of the junggayan pommel. it's pretty obvious representation of the wings. you will notice the same appendages on the less elaborate pommels. the flat, angled part on the left (of the picture) of the common pommel is just an abbreviated version of the tail, while on the right is an abbreviated version of the head. such is Ukkil..
the Sarimanok is a common motif in the arts and crafts of the Moro culture, but nowhere do you see the cockatoo.