Garuda Kris

[SanibelSwassa]

Originally Posted by kino

When inquiring about my copper alloy bladed Kris, one of our friends mentioned that the carving on the back of the hilt somewhat resembles the tree of life. He then forwarded a photo of a Tausug tapestry of the Tree of life that resides in the Philippine National Museum. Xas I wonder if carving on top of the hilt of your Kris could be interpreted as such. Would you classify your blade as hailing from Sulu?

Photo of the Tausug tapestry.

Kino,

Thank you so much for sharing the tapestry pic!! That’s a great reference piece. I would agree with Xasterix that his Okir is a direct match back to the royal line used as shown in the pics he shared. Which is an incredible find as to providence. I am excited by the sharing for resources and ideas.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by SanibelSwassa

Kino,

Thank you so much for sharing the tapestry pic!! That’s a great reference piece. I would agree with Xasterix that his Okir is a direct match back to the royal line used as shown in the pics he shared. Which is an incredible find as to providence. I am excited by the sharing for resources and ideas.

Hi sir, can I see the butt-pommel of your krises? I might come upon more insignias, I'll let you know if any of those match.

[SanibelSwassa]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hi sir, can I see the butt-pommel of your krises? I might come upon more insignias, I'll let you know if any of those match.

Here you go! Let me know if you uncover any interesting similarities with other Okir.

[kino]

Here’s another hilt to throw in the mix.
Too bad a detailed image of the hilt is unavailable.

[SanibelSwassa]

Originally Posted by kino

Here’s another hilt to throw in the mix.
Too bad a detailed image of the hilt is unavailable.

Great pic! Wish we knew who had that bad boy!!! Did you find that on this forum?? I think I’ve seen that pic before, but don’t remember from where.

[kino]

I believe I hijacked the photo from one of the discussions here on the Forums.
I think it came from an old book printed in France.

[Gustav]

A complete, high quality, and possibly early form of this hilt:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13785

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kino

I believe I hijacked the photo from one of the discussions here on the Forums.
I think it came from an old book printed in France.

P. Holstein,Contribution à l'Etude des Armes Orientales, Paris 1931

[Gavin Nugent]

I'm surprised no one picked up on this for the archives... an absolute stunner in every respect.

[kino]

Here’s an odd one.
Small in size. Brass / copper alloy blade. Carving on the hilt could be a Tree of Life motif.

[kai]

Hello Gavin,

I'm surprised no one picked up on this for the archives... an absolute stunner in every respect.

I agree that this is a great piece.

However, I believe it does not belong to this thread as the pommel is of a different style: Clearly this one is crafted in a highly decorated sarimanok/kakatua style.

Regards,
Kai

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kino

Here’s another hilt to throw in the mix.
Too bad a detailed image of the hilt is unavailable.

The best I can do with the image from the book...hope it helps

[SanibelSwassa]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

The best I can do with the image from the book...hope it helps

Well the detailed pics from your new piece will definitely expand the discussion!! My thoughts on these pieces are far from definitive but I still feel the distinct subset of this form is significant.

[Gavin Nugent]

Another popped up on social media recently, though to drop it in here.

Does anyone know the significance of the three binding rings around the base, waist and shoulders of these?

[Gavin Nugent]

A previous thread relating to one of the first in this thread presented here for discussion.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4443

Seems a long time member previously owned it.

I'm definitely on board with Michael's Sabah assessment.

These continue to be discussed offline where more ideas and data are passed about.

I see them thus far as Labuan influenced too when looking at the top motif on the crown, it is a reoccuring theme from the region, just as that design is also seen in Sabah weaving too.

Some aspects of the motifs are seen in old Bugis drawings and carving which make sense given the large sea faring nation and the Maritime Silk Road running through Indonesia and SEA, but overall the style is unique.

Brunei being the longest power base behind the regions and the English disruptions in the 19th century, it makes sense when seeing these on both sides of the fence so to speak, as I believe there are a couple that saw service under the British navy, and others, as noted at the start of this thread as being taken from Sulu pirates on the Sabah coast lines by Naval staff on various vessels

[David]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

Another popped up on social media recently, though to drop it in here.

Does anyone know the significance of the three binding rings around the base, waist and shoulders of these?

Well, i hate to sound so mundane, aside from their beauty, aren't they functional, for a better grip on the hilt?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by David

Well, i hate to sound so mundane, aside from their beauty, aren't they functional, for a better grip on the hilt?

I agree David. However, function can have some elegance to it.