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.

Battara · 17th September 2021, 08:53 PM

Nice piece. I will say that I noticed the okir on the blade is not a tight as turn of the century Maguindanao blades of this type.

Ian · 18th September 2021, 02:27 AM

Thanks for showing this one Charles. The style of blade is unusual, as you note, and this highly chiseled style is usually seen on more normally forged kris. Nice to see the scabbard with this one.

I have an example of similar style with a traditional waved blade. Interesting to see how short the tang is on these swords. My blade seems to have a significant chrome content as it behaves like stainless steel. I've had it lying around for 15+ years and no sign of corrosion.

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kronckew · 18th September 2021, 02:45 PM

Yes, the tangs tend to be a bit longer, but never all the way through and peened. Worked well for them though.

(from an earlier post here on the forum)

I do like the unusual ';hatchet' point on the initial post, it's a classy weapon, a hatchet point is for slashing and chopping, rather than the spear point design which is for stabbing.

David · 18th September 2021, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Interesting to see how short the tang is on these swords.

You would think a longer tang would be in order for such a sword type, though i am pretty sure the tang on yours, Ian, has been somewhat shortened over time. Wayne's example seems to be more the length i would expect to find on most kris of this era.

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

18th September 2021, 02:27 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,023	Thanks for showing this one Charles. The style of blade is unusual, as you note, and this highly chiseled style is usually seen on more normally forged kris. Nice to see the scabbard with this one. I have an example of similar style with a traditional waved blade. Interesting to see how short the tang is on these swords. My blade seems to have a significant chrome content as it behaves like stainless steel. I've had it lying around for 15+ years and no sign of corrosion. . Attached Images

17th September 2021, 08:53 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Nice piece. I will say that I noticed the okir on the blade is not a tight as turn of the century Maguindanao blades of this type.

18th September 2021, 02:45 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,150	Yes, the tangs tend to be a bit longer, but never all the way through and peened. Worked well for them though. (from an earlier post here on the forum) I do like the unusual ';hatchet' point on the initial post, it's a classy weapon, a hatchet point is for slashing and chopping, rather than the spear point design which is for stabbing.