maranaw kris with Tiboli scabard?

Bill · 15th July 2008, 05:18 AM

Hi Nacho, According to Cato, it's a Maranao (fig 40) blade. If I were to guess on the sheath wrap, I'd say Bagobo because it's red, the stick figure & the hour glass triangles. The Bagobo also liked to cover their sheaths with both bead work and cloth. I'd peel it back a bit and see if the outside is faded/dirty compared to covered areas. The hand twisted "string" under the copper looks like abaca, often used by the Bagobo but certainly not exclusively. The "rope" also looks like cotton farmed/woven in that area.
With the maddening trade in that part of the world, you would really need a expert to know for sure.
If the sheath covering & hilt wrap show signs of wear (the pictures look like it) I would guess it was most recently used by a Bagobo. If you suspect it has been altered it ay have been done near Davao City to sell in one of the Manila shops.

nacho · 15th July 2008, 07:37 AM

Hi Bill, no, I don't think there were any recent alterations. The cloth and the rope (around the handle) look like they have been there for many many years.

Spunjer · 15th July 2008, 07:12 PM

thanks for the pics, nacho. here's another cloth covered scabbard:
pusaka perhaps?

nacho · 16th July 2008, 03:12 AM

Hi Spunjer, that's a very nice looking blade with ivory pummel. Am no expert, but that looks pretty old to me.

Battara · 16th July 2008, 04:19 AM

Yes, I think it is old and as Spunger once mentioned (on another thread or to me) the motifs on the cloth are Sulu. A very nice piece that I originally saw on Ashokaarts site.

15th July 2008, 05:18 AM	#1
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	Hi Nacho, According to Cato, it's a Maranao (fig 40) blade. If I were to guess on the sheath wrap, I'd say Bagobo because it's red, the stick figure & the hour glass triangles. The Bagobo also liked to cover their sheaths with both bead work and cloth. I'd peel it back a bit and see if the outside is faded/dirty compared to covered areas. The hand twisted "string" under the copper looks like abaca, often used by the Bagobo but certainly not exclusively. The "rope" also looks like cotton farmed/woven in that area. With the maddening trade in that part of the world, you would really need a expert to know for sure. If the sheath covering & hilt wrap show signs of wear (the pictures look like it) I would guess it was most recently used by a Bagobo. If you suspect it has been altered it ay have been done near Davao City to sell in one of the Manila shops.

15th July 2008, 07:37 AM	#2
nacho Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Makati Posts: 69	Hi Bill, no, I don't think there were any recent alterations. The cloth and the rope (around the handle) look like they have been there for many many years.

15th July 2008, 07:12 PM	#3
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	thanks for the pics, nacho. here's another cloth covered scabbard: pusaka perhaps?

16th July 2008, 03:12 AM	#4
nacho Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Makati Posts: 69	Hi Spunjer, that's a very nice looking blade with ivory pummel. Am no expert, but that looks pretty old to me.

16th July 2008, 04:19 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Yes, I think it is old and as Spunger once mentioned (on another thread or to me) the motifs on the cloth are Sulu. A very nice piece that I originally saw on Ashokaarts site.