KRIS CEBU

tanaruz · 9th March 2023, 12:01 PM

Hi friends,

sharing with you a kris that was traded/bartered in Cebu/Philippines.

According to the precious last owner (who's from Cebu), this was bartered by a Moro and his grandfather in Cebu.

The handle, is made up of kamagong wood. The previous could not recall if this hilt was the original one installed when it was bartered.

any ideas of the possible age of this warrior?

Saludos,

Yves

Ian · 11th March 2023, 12:52 AM

Hello Yves,

I believe you are talking about the smaller of the two swords that you show.The one on the right, the shorter of the two, looks to be a Sulu blade that once had twin asang asang. It's relatively short length next to the late 19th C kris would suggest that it is probably as old as, perhaps older than, late 19th C. Even Sulu swords tended to get longer around the late 19th/early 20th C. Actual dimensions of the two swords would be interesting to know. The sword is also mounted in a well worn Sulu style scabbard (which may not be original), compared with the Mindanao/Maranao scabbard shown for the larger sword.

All up, I think you have a nice antique Sulu kris that has received a lot of use and makeover by its prior owners. The replacement hilt is obvious, and the wrapping of the scabbard is probably not original. One asang asang is missing now.

Nice old sword that could probably tell a few tales!

tanaruz · 11th March 2023, 08:06 AM

Hello Ian,

appreciate your inputs on this one.

1) the hilt will be replaced by an old hilt (with ivory pommel): see pics. This handle, will be lovely on the kris blade;
2) an additional asang-asang (silver) will be added to the kris
3) as for the scabbard- well Im still thinking on what to do with it. Perhaps an MOP or turtle-scute would fit just time.

Here are some pics on the hilt.

Saludos,

Yves

Ian · 12th March 2023, 01:14 PM

Yes, that's a nice old period hilt that should go well on the sword. Is the kakatua partly damaged? Even if it is, I don't think it detracts much from the hilt overall--it looks like it has seen some action, just as the blade does, so it's in keeping with the ensemble. Look forward to seeing the final product.

Before committing to a scabbard overhaul, you might want to see how the replaced hilt looks with the current one. This is a gnarly old sword, and a fancy scabbard might look out of place and not suit the character of its gin.

tanaruz · 13th March 2023, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Yes, that's a nice old period hilt that should go well on the sword. Is the kakatua partly damaged? Even if it is, I don't think it detracts much from the hilt overall--it looks like it has seen some action, just as the blade does, so it's in keeping with the ensemble. Look forward to seeing the final product.

Before committing to a scabbard overhaul, you might want to see how the replaced hilt looks with the current one. This is a gnarly old sword, and a fancy scabbard might look out of place and not suit the character of its gin.

Hi Ian,

Yup, the kakatua seems to have that damage (bought it that way- without the blade, ha ha). I will post the final product.

As for the scabbard- it won't be a fancy one as it has to blend well with the sword's character.

By the way: what is gin? does it refer to the blade's overall character? I've looked it up from my google and gin in japanese means silver.

Ian · 13th March 2023, 09:32 AM

"Gin" "jinn" "djinn" "genie" = the spirit that inhabits the sword. Some of my swords have powerful "jinn" that will rise up and protect me if I'm in danger.

9th March 2023, 12:01 PM	#1
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 267	KRIS CEBU Hi friends, sharing with you a kris that was traded/bartered in Cebu/Philippines. According to the precious last owner (who's from Cebu), this was bartered by a Moro and his grandfather in Cebu. The handle, is made up of kamagong wood. The previous could not recall if this hilt was the original one installed when it was bartered. any ideas of the possible age of this warrior? Saludos, Yves Attached Images

11th March 2023, 08:06 AM	#3
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 267	kris cebu Hello Ian, appreciate your inputs on this one. 1) the hilt will be replaced by an old hilt (with ivory pommel): see pics. This handle, will be lovely on the kris blade; 2) an additional asang-asang (silver) will be added to the kris 3) as for the scabbard- well Im still thinking on what to do with it. Perhaps an MOP or turtle-scute would fit just time. Here are some pics on the hilt. Saludos, Yves Attached Images

11th March 2023, 12:52 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,034	Hello Yves, I believe you are talking about the smaller of the two swords that you show.The one on the right, the shorter of the two, looks to be a Sulu blade that once had twin asang asang. It's relatively short length next to the late 19th C kris would suggest that it is probably as old as, perhaps older than, late 19th C. Even Sulu swords tended to get longer around the late 19th/early 20th C. Actual dimensions of the two swords would be interesting to know. The sword is also mounted in a well worn Sulu style scabbard (which may not be original), compared with the Mindanao/Maranao scabbard shown for the larger sword. All up, I think you have a nice antique Sulu kris that has received a lot of use and makeover by its prior owners. The replacement hilt is obvious, and the wrapping of the scabbard is probably not original. One asang asang is missing now. Nice old sword that could probably tell a few tales!

12th March 2023, 01:14 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,034	Yes, that's a nice old period hilt that should go well on the sword. Is the kakatua partly damaged? Even if it is, I don't think it detracts much from the hilt overall--it looks like it has seen some action, just as the blade does, so it's in keeping with the ensemble. Look forward to seeing the final product. Before committing to a scabbard overhaul, you might want to see how the replaced hilt looks with the current one. This is a gnarly old sword, and a fancy scabbard might look out of place and not suit the character of its gin.

13th March 2023, 09:32 AM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,034	"Gin" "jinn" "djinn" "genie" = the spirit that inhabits the sword. Some of my swords have powerful "jinn" that will rise up and protect me if I'm in danger.