A Moro Spear?

Battara · 6th February 2022, 11:44 PM

I would agree that this could easily be a Moro budiak or spear. A little unusual to have this kind of engraving into the blade, but the blade shape and ferrule might point to possibly Sulu region. Perhaps 1910s?

Sajen · 7th February 2022, 10:09 PM

Very interesting Moro spear!

efrahjalt · 8th February 2022, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the comments! The Sulu theory is intriguing. I found a blade with similar engraving at one point except that it had silver inlay in the decoration. Unfortunately I can't find that example at the moment. Would love to find a parallel to compare with. I'll post it here when I find it again.

Rick · 8th February 2022, 05:07 PM

Similar work.

Battara · 9th February 2022, 12:29 AM

I base this theory on the ferrule type used on this spear. I think both Sulu and Maguindanao tribes used blade engraving (see Rick's Maguindanao kris example).

Rick · 9th February 2022, 01:49 AM

Both were probably made around the same time; my guess would be mid 20thC.
IIRC there is a Panabas with the same kind of decoration lurking somewhere in the archives.

Ian · 13th February 2022, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

Both were probably made around the same time; my guess would be mid 20thC.
IIRC there is a Panabas with the same kind of decoration lurking somewhere in the archives.

I agree with your recent date Rick. I have a similar kris blade that does not have a separate gangya and it would likely date to the mid-20th C also.

8th February 2022, 05:07 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Similar work. Attached Images

6th February 2022, 11:44 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I would agree that this could easily be a Moro budiak or spear. A little unusual to have this kind of engraving into the blade, but the blade shape and ferrule might point to possibly Sulu region. Perhaps 1910s?

7th February 2022, 10:09 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,213	Very interesting Moro spear!

8th February 2022, 03:04 PM	#3
efrahjalt Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 58	Thanks for the comments! The Sulu theory is intriguing. I found a blade with similar engraving at one point except that it had silver inlay in the decoration. Unfortunately I can't find that example at the moment. Would love to find a parallel to compare with. I'll post it here when I find it again.

9th February 2022, 12:29 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I base this theory on the ferrule type used on this spear. I think both Sulu and Maguindanao tribes used blade engraving (see Rick's Maguindanao kris example).

9th February 2022, 01:49 AM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Both were probably made around the same time; my guess would be mid 20thC. IIRC there is a Panabas with the same kind of decoration lurking somewhere in the archives.