Maranao kris with a different hilt

Battara · 13th September 2020, 12:05 AM

I agree with Ian and will add:

1. This is a Maguindanao piece, not Maranao (based on the sale of the ganga and the scabbard).

2. This type of hilt I have seen on Malaysian keris called "executioner's keris", and thus I don't believe it was original to the piece.

3. The silver inlay is minimalist and could easily be a fighter.

kai · 13th September 2020, 03:48 AM

Hello Jose,

The base of the blade does look Maranao, doesn't it?

Anyway, a nice, traditional blade; looks like first quarter of the 20th century to me. I agree that some silver inlay does not detract from serious use...

I don't think the hilt is influenced by the Malay horsehoof hilt style. The wood quality, ferrule, and general craftsmanship seem to suggest it being a later replacement.

Regards,
Kai

kronckew · 13th September 2020, 09:09 PM

Another minimalist barong hilt:

20c minimalist hilt barung

Ian · 13th September 2020, 10:51 PM

Hi Wayne,

I missed your barung when you first posted it. The blade is "forward-weighted" compared with Sulu barung and the profile resembles some of those made in Zamboanga. The hilt is Maranao.

Ian

13th September 2020, 09:09 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	Another minimalist barong hilt: 20c minimalist hilt barung Attached Images

13th September 2020, 12:05 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I agree with Ian and will add: 1. This is a Maguindanao piece, not Maranao (based on the sale of the ganga and the scabbard). 2. This type of hilt I have seen on Malaysian keris called "executioner's keris", and thus I don't believe it was original to the piece. 3. The silver inlay is minimalist and could easily be a fighter.

13th September 2020, 03:48 AM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Jose, The base of the blade does look Maranao, doesn't it? Anyway, a nice, traditional blade; looks like first quarter of the 20th century to me. I agree that some silver inlay does not detract from serious use... I don't think the hilt is influenced by the Malay horsehoof hilt style. The wood quality, ferrule, and general craftsmanship seem to suggest it being a later replacement. Regards, Kai

13th September 2020, 10:51 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Hi Wayne, I missed your barung when you first posted it. The blade is "forward-weighted" compared with Sulu barung and the profile resembles some of those made in Zamboanga. The hilt is Maranao. Ian