Moro Tulip Kris (need Arabic/Jawi translation please)

Battara · 6th February 2015, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spunjer

2) regarding the Datu's name: i can't see it myself as Fi'cha. for one thing, there's no "F" nor "C" in the Maguindanaon language, so we can go back to perhaps the name was spelled phonetically. long stretch, but it could meant Piang. you could start your research by looking for how Piang wrote his name in Jawi, or even in Arabic script.

AND RON WINS THE PRIZE!

(but not the sword.......

)

Got a final Jawi translation from Oliver (he found an link to Jawi, Oliver also reads Arabic) and he translated the name to "Datu Fiang" which in Maguindanao would be "P"iang (no "f" in Maguindanao as Ron mentioned), which means that this piece says and is from:

DATU PIANG! From him to Van Orsdale.

Now we know both the giver and recipient. We know the story and have documentation of both men.

This makes the 2nd sword I own that once belonged to Datu Piang. I am a very happy camper.

Once again my thanks to you folks, and especially to Oliver Pinchot. I bow in all of your presences!

Spunjer · 13th February 2015, 07:52 PM

sorry, a little late coming in this party, but yes, i second the Datu Piang translation, via a good friend of mine.
Col. J.T Van Orsdale was involved in the pursuit of Datu Ali, who, ironically was Datu Piang's son-in-law. Datu Piang was the ultimate politician at that time, siding with the Americans, for financial reasons. it was a custom of his to give foreign dignitaries and VIP's a souvenir, like a kris in this instance. this was intimated to me by Datu Piang's granddaughter. according to her, the Datu would have this room full of krises, lantakas, etc. just for this special reason.
as far as the gentleman who translated the Arabic script:a Maguindanaon friend who's wife is related to Datu Ali. big props in helping me out with this.

Ian, the gentleman in the center is not MG Wood. i'm attaching a picture of the General for future reference. also, i'm including a picture of Datu Ali.

Ian · 13th February 2015, 09:19 PM

Hi Ron:

Yes, I agree, maybe not Major General Wood. I was basing my possible ID on the picture below from the Library of Congress--similar moustache and shape of the face, but with a "number 1" haircut.

However, Wood would have been van Orsdale's commanding officer during the latter's time in Mindanao, and the logical person to occupy front and center of this picture.

Ian.

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Spunjer · 13th February 2015, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Ron:

Yes, I agree, maybe not Major General Wood. I was basing my possible ID on the picture below from the Library of Congress--similar moustache and shape of the face, but with a "number 1" haircut.

However, Wood would have been van Orsdale's commanding officer during the latter's time in Mindanao, and the logical person to occupy front and center of this picture.

Ian.

----------

Yes, he was his commander. Interesting, the saga between Datu Ali and MG Wood. Basically, the Datu was a major pain in the neck to Wood for almost two years.
I wonder if that group picture was taken after his stint in Mindanao. he did do a year in Zamboanga after that

Battara · 14th February 2015, 04:33 AM

Thank you Ron for your intercession on this for me. Great info. I bow in your presence as well......

Yes Ali was the son-in-law and it was a grand and royal chase. In my opinion, Wood chose to know less about Moros and Filipinos according to my past readings of his work on the Philippines (very insulting) and on the book Moroland .

Now if only I could get some documentation regarding Piang's giving this to Van Orsdale............

13th February 2015, 07:52 PM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	sorry, a little late coming in this party, but yes, i second the Datu Piang translation, via a good friend of mine. Col. J.T Van Orsdale was involved in the pursuit of Datu Ali, who, ironically was Datu Piang's son-in-law. Datu Piang was the ultimate politician at that time, siding with the Americans, for financial reasons. it was a custom of his to give foreign dignitaries and VIP's a souvenir, like a kris in this instance. this was intimated to me by Datu Piang's granddaughter. according to her, the Datu would have this room full of krises, lantakas, etc. just for this special reason. as far as the gentleman who translated the Arabic script:a Maguindanaon friend who's wife is related to Datu Ali. big props in helping me out with this. Ian, the gentleman in the center is not MG Wood. i'm attaching a picture of the General for future reference. also, i'm including a picture of Datu Ali. Attached Images

13th February 2015, 09:19 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Resized picture Hi Ron: Yes, I agree, maybe not Major General Wood. I was basing my possible ID on the picture below from the Library of Congress--similar moustache and shape of the face, but with a "number 1" haircut. However, Wood would have been van Orsdale's commanding officer during the latter's time in Mindanao, and the logical person to occupy front and center of this picture. Ian. ---------- Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 13th February 2015 at 09:31 PM.

14th February 2015, 04:33 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	Thank you Ron for your intercession on this for me. Great info. I bow in your presence as well...... Yes Ali was the son-in-law and it was a grand and royal chase. In my opinion, Wood chose to know less about Moros and Filipinos according to my past readings of his work on the Philippines (very insulting) and on the book Moroland . Now if only I could get some documentation regarding Piang's giving this to Van Orsdale............