MORO Kris

kai · 16th February 2008, 08:44 PM

Hello Ben,

Nice to see more pics of this kris!

From the features at the base of the blade, I'd suggest that the blade is 19th century, possibly the latter half but probably predating the Spanish-American war. It seems to be clearly Sulu style (including northern Borneo) although it's longer than most blades from that region/date. Also the scabbard looks well-used and genuinely antique.

The pommel could be also very well be of Sulu manufacture but the wire wrap doesn't look like Moro work. However, it seems to fit well with non-Moro tribes from Borneo - is it known from which tribe or region this piece was collected?

I think it would be very enlightening to polish and etch this blade. Considering the good condition of the blade, this can be done with minimal loss of material (contact me if you don't want to do it yourself). If a Kaskara blade was welded to the base/gangya, this will surely show!

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 16th February 2008, 09:30 PM

I agree with Kai. I also think that the wrap was done later than the blade. I wonder if this was a European blade with the shape and those moons (even though the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol). I have seen one or two Moro kris with European trade blades before.

Rhino horn - not common on Moro stuff but I suppose anything is possible.

Tim Simmons · 16th February 2008, 09:46 PM

If this is not a classic thread then I have no idea what could be. I hope Ben does etch the blade. How many blades have you seen with the demarcation, one from the other like this?

Dajak · 17th February 2008, 09:38 AM

Hi Kai when I have more time I will visit you

Etching the blade is fine I have an other one too

Ben

kai · 17th February 2008, 10:10 PM

Hello Ben,

Quote:

Hi Kai when I have more time I will visit you
Etching the blade is fine I have an other one too

Only one? You must have at least half a dozen kris by now...

Yup, that twistcore also needs an etch - don't forget to also bring your bronze pommel piece and that Dayak-cloth kris! (As well as a little time to get things done...

)

Regards,
Kai

Tim Simmons · 18th February 2008, 07:23 AM

It might at first sound a little far fetched but could these European/ German? blades we call Kaskara appear in the Malay and Borneo region as a consequence of the Napoleonic French interest in the region. I only thought of this as I have a Batak sword with the long unfullered 1795-1815 dragoon sabre blade. Napoleon installed a Dutch governor in Bali. The British keen to stop any further French influence may have been supplying a great amount of blades.

Dajak · 18th February 2008, 04:58 PM

Hi Tim I was also maild by an member who did say it is an german blade
so this could be right

Ben

16th February 2008, 08:44 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Ben, Nice to see more pics of this kris! From the features at the base of the blade, I'd suggest that the blade is 19th century, possibly the latter half but probably predating the Spanish-American war. It seems to be clearly Sulu style (including northern Borneo) although it's longer than most blades from that region/date. Also the scabbard looks well-used and genuinely antique. The pommel could be also very well be of Sulu manufacture but the wire wrap doesn't look like Moro work. However, it seems to fit well with non-Moro tribes from Borneo - is it known from which tribe or region this piece was collected? I think it would be very enlightening to polish and etch this blade. Considering the good condition of the blade, this can be done with minimal loss of material (contact me if you don't want to do it yourself). If a Kaskara blade was welded to the base/gangya, this will surely show! Regards, Kai

16th February 2008, 09:30 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I agree with Kai. I also think that the wrap was done later than the blade. I wonder if this was a European blade with the shape and those moons (even though the crescent moon is an Islamic symbol). I have seen one or two Moro kris with European trade blades before. Rhino horn - not common on Moro stuff but I suppose anything is possible.

16th February 2008, 09:46 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	If this is not a classic thread then I have no idea what could be. I hope Ben does etch the blade. How many blades have you seen with the demarcation, one from the other like this?

17th February 2008, 09:38 AM	#4
Dajak Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 951	Hi Kai when I have more time I will visit you Etching the blade is fine I have an other one too Ben

18th February 2008, 07:23 AM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,844	It might at first sound a little far fetched but could these European/ German? blades we call Kaskara appear in the Malay and Borneo region as a consequence of the Napoleonic French interest in the region. I only thought of this as I have a Batak sword with the long unfullered 1795-1815 dragoon sabre blade. Napoleon installed a Dutch governor in Bali. The British keen to stop any further French influence may have been supplying a great amount of blades.

18th February 2008, 04:58 PM	#7
Dajak Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 951	Hi Tim I was also maild by an member who did say it is an german blade so this could be right Ben