Help with the Moro Kris/Kalis/Sundang

[Ian]

Hi Jeff. I think this one is a bit of a "tweener" from the late 19th C. It was definitely meant to be a weapon for combat. The "elephant trunk" area is sort of midway between Sulu and Maguindanao, with a horizontal tusk (Maguindanao feature) and a somewhat oval outline to the area bordered by the trunk and gandhik (Sulu feature). If pushed to decide between the two regarding the elephant trunk area, I would probably pick Maguindanao. At one time there were two asang asang, but now just the one. Two suggests a more likely Sulu origin, but is not definitive.

The midline of the hilt bends down, which is more of a Mindanao trait than a Sulu trait. The cross piece of the scabbard has a rounded bottom shoulder, but a sharply pointed top shoulder. The sharp point leads me to a Maguindanao origin.

Overall, I think the dress is Maguindanao, and the likely pommel was probably a medium-sized kakatua. The supporting peg for the pommel is still there, although damaged.

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by Ian

At one time there were two asang asang, but now just the one. Two suggests a more likely Sulu origin, but is not definitive.

I have another kris with missing asang-asang, also from the "greneng" side (below). This is also seller photo, I have since removed the tape on the handle and rust on the blade. Under that black tape there is still handle wrap holding the prior asang-asang strap and the notch in ferule supported a robust attachment with limited failure points. Of course it could have taken a blow and was lost, but I wonder if it may have been intentionally removed to match style of new owner.