Cord Wrap Kris

Ian · 6th September 2023, 09:22 PM

I agree with the assessment that this is a late 19th C style Maguidanao kris with an atypical hilt. The manner of wrapping the hilt with thin rings of woven rattan looks very much like mainland SE Asian work, similar to what is seen on some dha/daab. The simple "kakatua" pommel is well carved but could have been made from a drawing or photograph by someone well outside the origina Moro culture, which may explain its departure from the norm.

Rick · 7th September 2023, 01:19 AM

I believe the wrap is one piece of braided material rather than thin rings Ian.
If you look closely at the wrap you can see the lump caused by this style of braided cord running beneath the wrapping; plus there is a hole drilled to accept the end of the wrap at the base of the hilt. I'd be willing to bet this work was done way out of the culture it came from.

Gavin Nugent · 7th September 2023, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I believe the wrap is one piece of braided material rather than thin rings Ian.
If you look closely at the wrap you can see the lump caused by this style of braided cord running beneath the wrapping; plus there is a hole drilled to accept the end of the wrap at the base of the hilt. I'd be willing to bet this work was done way out of the culture it came from.

It is indeed one single wrap... I'm no expert on paracord... someone might be able to place the cord... Post WWII wrap I suspect....

wildwolberine · 7th September 2023, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

It is indeed one single wrap... I'm no expert on paracord... someone might be able to place the cord... Post WWII wrap I suspect....

Looks like braided cotton or nylon twine (probably cotton)?

Jerseyman · 15th September 2023, 06:18 PM

Thank you all. It's good to have a clearer attribution. All of the weapons we look at have such individual journeys, and like all useful tools are often repaired and repurposed. I find the strange mongrels just as fascinating as the purebreds sitting clearly within their cultural context.

Gavin Nugent · 16th September 2023, 08:58 AM

Perhaps worth noting, as I see it anyway... Woolley in his work presents many line drawings. One showing the typical lines of the classic pommel most expect to find on the Kris, another showing the Jungayan Datu type, and another very akin to this style presented above, and another simpler less common design that I think Frey had in his collection.

xasterix · 16th September 2023, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerseyman

Thank you all. It's good to have a clearer attribution. All of the weapons we look at have such individual journeys, and like all useful tools are often repaired and repurposed. I find the strange mongrels just as fascinating as the purebreds sitting clearly within their cultural context.

Well said!

I agree.

6th September 2023, 09:22 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,614	I agree with the assessment that this is a late 19th C style Maguidanao kris with an atypical hilt. The manner of wrapping the hilt with thin rings of woven rattan looks very much like mainland SE Asian work, similar to what is seen on some dha/daab. The simple "kakatua" pommel is well carved but could have been made from a drawing or photograph by someone well outside the origina Moro culture, which may explain its departure from the norm.

7th September 2023, 01:19 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,378	I believe the wrap is one piece of braided material rather than thin rings Ian. If you look closely at the wrap you can see the lump caused by this style of braided cord running beneath the wrapping; plus there is a hole drilled to accept the end of the wrap at the base of the hilt. I'd be willing to bet this work was done way out of the culture it came from.

15th September 2023, 06:18 PM	#5
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Thank you all. It's good to have a clearer attribution. All of the weapons we look at have such individual journeys, and like all useful tools are often repaired and repurposed. I find the strange mongrels just as fascinating as the purebreds sitting clearly within their cultural context.

16th September 2023, 08:58 AM	#6
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Perhaps worth noting, as I see it anyway... Woolley in his work presents many line drawings. One showing the typical lines of the classic pommel most expect to find on the Kris, another showing the Jungayan Datu type, and another very akin to this style presented above, and another simpler less common design that I think Frey had in his collection.