The Moro Ball Pommel Kriss Sword

kino · 20th July 2018, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

For many Moro collectors, the ball pommelled kriss sword is an impure anomaly. How could a ball-shaped pommel take the place of a traditional cockatoo/sarimanok pommel and all its pleasing aesthetic and traditional characteristics? .

I think the ball pommel is just a slight deviation from the horse hoof.

Odd construction on the split ball. Any chance that the pommel is carved from kamagong instead of horn?
I myself, is a fan of the ball pommel on Moro swords; your photos are very much appreciated.

CharlesS · 20th July 2018, 06:51 PM

Thanks, as always, Kino!

The pommel doesn't have any color deviation that might make me think it was wood. I think the two-part construction is a greater indicator of it be horn, that is, two smaller pieces easier to carve and to work with than finding a big enough piece for the ball.

Glad to hear someone else is a fan of the ball pommel!

Ian · 20th July 2018, 07:43 PM

Charles, once again you have come up with another stunning piece! I am also a fan of the ball pommel. A few years ago I was offered a kris in Manila with a lovely ivory ball, but the kris was all handle and no blade--the blade was of poor quality and the sword was not meant to be drawn in anger, just admired for its hilt. So I passed on it.

I do have a couple of kris with ball hilts. These are in Bagobo or T'boli dress, although I think they were made by either Maguindanao or Maranao craftsmen. Kino may be right, that they are a variant of the horse hoof pommel.

Nice collection that you have.

Regards,

Ian.

Battara · 21st July 2018, 01:03 AM

This ball kris is the nicest I have seen. This piece appears to be Sulu. Very nice.

Ian · 21st July 2018, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

... This piece appears to be Sulu. Very nice.

I agree. The scabbard looks Sulu. Ian

Battara · 21st July 2018, 06:04 PM

Here are pictures of a nearly identical piece for comparison. I would place the blade at possibly being Maguindanao, or a cross of Maguindanao and Sulu:

CharlesS · 21st July 2018, 06:35 PM

Awesome find Battara, and on this one I see no indication that the pommel is made in two parts, unless it is cut horizontally and the cut is hidden by the silver ring.

I would assume as well that the silver wire woven grip allows us to attribute this one to at least a low ranking noble.

Thanks for this contribution to the thread!

21st July 2018, 06:04 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Here are pictures of a nearly identical piece for comparison. I would place the blade at possibly being Maguindanao, or a cross of Maguindanao and Sulu: Attached Images

20th July 2018, 06:51 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Thanks, as always, Kino! The pommel doesn't have any color deviation that might make me think it was wood. I think the two-part construction is a greater indicator of it be horn, that is, two smaller pieces easier to carve and to work with than finding a big enough piece for the ball. Glad to hear someone else is a fan of the ball pommel!

20th July 2018, 07:43 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	Charles, once again you have come up with another stunning piece! I am also a fan of the ball pommel. A few years ago I was offered a kris in Manila with a lovely ivory ball, but the kris was all handle and no blade--the blade was of poor quality and the sword was not meant to be drawn in anger, just admired for its hilt. So I passed on it. I do have a couple of kris with ball hilts. These are in Bagobo or T'boli dress, although I think they were made by either Maguindanao or Maranao craftsmen. Kino may be right, that they are a variant of the horse hoof pommel. Nice collection that you have. Regards, Ian.

21st July 2018, 01:03 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	This ball kris is the nicest I have seen. This piece appears to be Sulu. Very nice.

21st July 2018, 06:35 PM	#7
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Awesome find Battara, and on this one I see no indication that the pommel is made in two parts, unless it is cut horizontally and the cut is hidden by the silver ring. I would assume as well that the silver wire woven grip allows us to attribute this one to at least a low ranking noble. Thanks for this contribution to the thread!