Keris found in Denmark

Ian · 1st November 2006, 12:16 PM

Thanks Michael.

What I meant to say is that an octagonal hilt, per se, is not rare on Moro kris, but a continuous silver "sleeve" as shown in your first example above is something that I have not seen before. Perhaps I have just not seen enough high end beauties like these.

Your second example looks more traditional and appears to be a Mindanao kris, most likely Maranao -- the "elephant trunk" area is of the Maranao form (according to Cato). The octagonal handle is wrapped with silver wire to conform to the underlying shape of the handle, although the small band holding the baca baca is circular. The ivory kakatua is small but of traditional shape -- probably late 19th or early 20th C. but could be earlier. The scabbard fits with a Mindanao kris of around that period also. So this one looks a typical Moro kris all round, perhaps redressed around 1900 +/-. The blade looks considerably older than the hilt and scabbard.

The one at the top of the post still has me baffled as to where it originated.

Regards,

Ian.

1st November 2006, 12:16 PM	#12
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Thanks Michael. What I meant to say is that an octagonal hilt, per se, is not rare on Moro kris, but a continuous silver "sleeve" as shown in your first example above is something that I have not seen before. Perhaps I have just not seen enough high end beauties like these. Your second example looks more traditional and appears to be a Mindanao kris, most likely Maranao -- the "elephant trunk" area is of the Maranao form (according to Cato). The octagonal handle is wrapped with silver wire to conform to the underlying shape of the handle, although the small band holding the baca baca is circular. The ivory kakatua is small but of traditional shape -- probably late 19th or early 20th C. but could be earlier. The scabbard fits with a Mindanao kris of around that period also. So this one looks a typical Moro kris all round, perhaps redressed around 1900 +/-. The blade looks considerably older than the hilt and scabbard. The one at the top of the post still has me baffled as to where it originated. Regards, Ian.