A Late Moro Sword With a Surprising Blade Profile

CharlesS · 17th September 2021, 04:43 PM

This Moro sword, likely from the 1950s or 60s, was collected by the FICAH International Foundation of Indonesian Culture and Asian Heritage, Hollenstedt (Germany), and more recently deaccessioned. It is no surprise to any of us that Moro swords were made so late, indeed, are still being made today, but what is surprising is the blade profile. This blade profile is rather rare anytime among Moro swords, but I was just surprised to see this profile on such a late sword. Typically we see overdone copies of traditional blades like the barung, kalis, or kriss, among late Moro swords, and to a degree, this one(the ganja-less blade at least) fits into that category with its overly chiseled central panel to both sides of the blade. The two-piece scabbard is original to it and a perfect fit.

Overall length: 29in.
Blade length: 24in.
Blade's widest point: 2in.

Comments welcomed.

17th September 2021, 04:43 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	A Late Moro Sword With a Surprising Blade Profile This Moro sword, likely from the 1950s or 60s, was collected by the FICAH International Foundation of Indonesian Culture and Asian Heritage, Hollenstedt (Germany), and more recently deaccessioned. It is no surprise to any of us that Moro swords were made so late, indeed, are still being made today, but what is surprising is the blade profile. This blade profile is rather rare anytime among Moro swords, but I was just surprised to see this profile on such a late sword. Typically we see overdone copies of traditional blades like the barung, kalis, or kriss, among late Moro swords, and to a degree, this one(the ganja-less blade at least) fits into that category with its overly chiseled central panel to both sides of the blade. The two-piece scabbard is original to it and a perfect fit. Overall length: 29in. Blade length: 24in. Blade's widest point: 2in. Comments welcomed. Attached Images