The Moro Ball Pommel Kriss Sword

[CharlesS]

For many Moro collectors, the ball pommelled kriss sword is an impure anomaly. How could a ball-shaped pommel take the place of a traditional cockatoo/sarimanok pommel and all its pleasing aesthetic and traditional characteristics?

While I do agree that there is a certain loss of tradition and maybe even some aesthetics, I am still a fan of the ball-pommeled kriss. I find they are often better balanced as a result of the weight of the horn, bone, fossil molar, or any other material used for the 'ball'. They also seem to create an extra dimension to the weapon, as now the pommel becomes a blunt weapon. Naturally, they are also generally more durable and less fragile than the cockatoo/sarimanok pommels.

I am not sure how the ball pommelled kriss developed, but I do have some suspicion it was from European sword pommel influence. Whether it developed into a wealth or status issue or was simply a matter of preference, I do not know...and doubt we ever will. I think the combined example pic below will show that there was no limit to possibilities and resources(wealth) that could go into a ball pommelled kriss.

One particular example has been my heart's desire since the early days of my collecting and has always seemed to elude me...a ball pommelled horn and inlay example. A few months ago I was thrilled to be able to acquire one, and what an example it is! Note the construction of the pommel which is two pieces of carabao horn that split the pommel evenly down the middle vertically(see the pommel close-up pics). The horn has been decorated with bone inlay. The two pieces are firmly held together by the grip cording, a silver ring bound with copper nails, and a thin silver pommel cap. It all comes together to make for a very attractive pommel.

The blade on that one is not too shabby either!

I doubt this thread will change the minds of those Moro collectors who have a low opinion of the Moro ball pommelled kriss, but perhaps they will at least appreciate them a little more.

...now if only I can find the far more elusive ball-pommelled barung!

Dimensions of the kriss discussed:
Overall length: 27.5in.
Blade length: 21.75in.
Blade width at the midpoint: 1.5in.