Another interesting Moro sword

CharlesS · 26th July 2006, 12:12 AM

Michael,

If nothing else, this surely hints at a strong line of cross cultural influences, and while we may never know the exact point of origin, this thread makes of good point of the sword being found outside of what is traditionally thought of as "Moroland".

I think these cross cultural ties and trade offs are one of the most interesting aspects of Indo-Malay weaponry...you see it is kerises, in swords, etc. Just when you think you've seen it all, something will pop up to surprise you and fire up the imagination.

Even the barong Artzi pictured likely had its naga motif "imported" from elsewhere, as it is not a common motif in Moro weapons.

VANDOO · 26th July 2006, 03:29 AM

THE LINK TO THE KAMPILIAN IAN POSTED REPRESENTS WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE LARGE SEA EAGLE, NO PROOF UNFORTUNATELY. THE DESIGN IN THE EYE RESEMBLES A PATTERN USED IN DAYAK TATOOS I CAN'T SEE THE OTHER DESIGNS WELL ENOUGH TO TELL IF THEY HAVE ANY DAYAK INFLUENCE. THE MANDAU AND THE KAMPILIAN HAVE A LOT OF SIMULARITIES THE BLADE SHAPE, THE FANCY CARVING AND HAIR ON THE POMMELS. THE MORO AND DAYAK SOCIETYS WERE BOTH GREAT SEA FARERS AND OFTEN WORKED TOGETHER AND SOMETIMES FOUGHT SO INFLUENCES WOULD HAVE BEEN EXCHANGED OVER THE YEARS.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MANY PICTURES IN A POST ON EDGED WEAPONS

KEEP THEM COMING

zelbone · 26th July 2006, 06:02 PM

I won't dismiss the N. Borneo theory......

But, this is a rather large hilt and would be inconsistent with a shorter N. Borneo form. Sure Artzi's example has a less "gaping-jaw" of the crocodile form ( or swiftlet tail), but this is an oversize danganan hilt. And as mentioned by others here this sword was most likely carried by someone of great importance...or by his sword-bearer....in which case the danganan would be representative of his torogan....not a crocodile jaw or swiftlet tail.

26th July 2006, 12:12 AM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Michael, If nothing else, this surely hints at a strong line of cross cultural influences, and while we may never know the exact point of origin, this thread makes of good point of the sword being found outside of what is traditionally thought of as "Moroland". I think these cross cultural ties and trade offs are one of the most interesting aspects of Indo-Malay weaponry...you see it is kerises, in swords, etc. Just when you think you've seen it all, something will pop up to surprise you and fire up the imagination. Even the barong Artzi pictured likely had its naga motif "imported" from elsewhere, as it is not a common motif in Moro weapons.

26th July 2006, 03:29 AM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THE LINK TO THE KAMPILIAN IAN POSTED REPRESENTS WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE LARGE SEA EAGLE, NO PROOF UNFORTUNATELY. THE DESIGN IN THE EYE RESEMBLES A PATTERN USED IN DAYAK TATOOS I CAN'T SEE THE OTHER DESIGNS WELL ENOUGH TO TELL IF THEY HAVE ANY DAYAK INFLUENCE. THE MANDAU AND THE KAMPILIAN HAVE A LOT OF SIMULARITIES THE BLADE SHAPE, THE FANCY CARVING AND HAIR ON THE POMMELS. THE MORO AND DAYAK SOCIETYS WERE BOTH GREAT SEA FARERS AND OFTEN WORKED TOGETHER AND SOMETIMES FOUGHT SO INFLUENCES WOULD HAVE BEEN EXCHANGED OVER THE YEARS. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MANY PICTURES IN A POST ON EDGED WEAPONS KEEP THEM COMING

26th July 2006, 06:02 PM	#3
zelbone Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: VISAYAS and MINDANAO Posts: 169	I won't dismiss the N. Borneo theory...... But, this is a rather large hilt and would be inconsistent with a shorter N. Borneo form. Sure Artzi's example has a less "gaping-jaw" of the crocodile form ( or swiftlet tail), but this is an oversize danganan hilt. And as mentioned by others here this sword was most likely carried by someone of great importance...or by his sword-bearer....in which case the danganan would be representative of his torogan....not a crocodile jaw or swiftlet tail.