My gunong collection and some thoughts

Ian · 12th June 2015, 11:56 PM

Sajen:

In the close up of the handle the little black dots visible, especially towards the end of the hilt, look like Haversian canals in cross section. This suggests that the handle is made from bone rather than a form of ivory.

Walrus ivory is extremely rare in the Philippines and would, I think, be restricted to high end, expensive weapons. I have not seen a convincing example of walrus ivory on a moro weapon. However, I have seen what was said to be dugong ivory on the pommel of a datu quality kris.

Ian.

David · 13th June 2015, 05:37 AM

I'm with Ian. This looks like bone to me.

Sajen · 13th June 2015, 11:58 AM

Thank you all for comment!

You could be correct that it is bone. It was just a thought since the ones I have seen with bone pommels has had a top cap to cover the inner porosity.

Regards,
Detlef

David · 13th June 2015, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

It was just a thought since the ones I have seen with bone pommels has had a top cap to cover the inner porosity.

That's a good point Detlef. I hadn't considered that. Still, it does not look like any ivory i have ever seen and the porousness and black dots on the material does look a lot like bone.

Battara · 13th June 2015, 07:00 PM

Take it from a bone head, this is bone.

Sajen · 13th June 2015, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Take it from a bone head, this is bone.

Hi Jose,

think that you are correct.

Best regards,
Detlef

blue lander · 15th June 2015, 09:15 PM

Does anybody have any information on copper/brass bladed gunongs? I understand they were used for ritual purposes?

12th June 2015, 11:56 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	Sajen: In the close up of the handle the little black dots visible, especially towards the end of the hilt, look like Haversian canals in cross section. This suggests that the handle is made from bone rather than a form of ivory. Walrus ivory is extremely rare in the Philippines and would, I think, be restricted to high end, expensive weapons. I have not seen a convincing example of walrus ivory on a moro weapon. However, I have seen what was said to be dugong ivory on the pommel of a datu quality kris. Ian.

13th June 2015, 05:37 AM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	I'm with Ian. This looks like bone to me.

13th June 2015, 11:58 AM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,420	Thank you all for comment! You could be correct that it is bone. It was just a thought since the ones I have seen with bone pommels has had a top cap to cover the inner porosity. Regards, Detlef

13th June 2015, 07:00 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Take it from a bone head, this is bone.

15th June 2015, 09:15 PM	#7
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Does anybody have any information on copper/brass bladed gunongs? I understand they were used for ritual purposes?