Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 9th November 2024, 01:55 PM

Hi adamb,

Thank you again for showing this interesting illustration. I agree with Xasterix that it is hard to identify the number of waves on this sword, but five seems like a reasonable guess. I hesitate to guess as to its length, but it ciukd be longer than Xas suggests. I also agree that the "elephant trunk" area is too indistinct to offer an opinion of tribal origin. However, there are some other features that are worth mentioning. First, the blade lacks the "arrowhead feature" of so-called archaic kris. Therefore, in my opinion and in support of Cato's dating, it is very unlikely this blade was made pre-1800. Second, the blade may have a fuller (darker central area) running almost to the tip. If this structure is a fuller, then that is an unusual feature on Moro kris and suggests a Malayan influence.

The hilt is a common fighting style from the 19th C, with multiple bands of woven rattan or twine capped with a small kakatua pommel. (The pommel is small but there are more diminutive examples, including ones that have a "beak" but lack the "crest.") The style shown is commonly seen on 19th C Sulu kris made for the "common man" (at least judging from the quality of the dress, which tends to be rather plain and inexpensive).

The scabbard is also interesting. It features an upturned toe and a cross piece that is very similar to scabbards on Malay sundang. There is a beautiful kris in a very similar scabbard shown on the dust jacket of Cato's book. The cross-piece of the scabbard is ivory, and both the scabbard and hilt are decorated with silver and gold. Unfortunately, we do not get to see the blade.

The Moros of the Sulu Archipelago have longstanding relationships with their Malayan neighbors in northern Borneo and the former Malay States. I see significant Malayan influence in many Sulu kris, especially in the dress. Xasterix has mentioned that he consults Malay friends about the influence of Malayan styles in Moro weapons, so he may have some more to comment on this one.

You note that the entry for this sword says that it came from a Sulu raider. These rasids likely involved Sama people because they were the best Sulu sailors and navigators in the Sulu Sea and adjacent waters. Interestingly, the Mindanao Moros traded extensively with the Bugis in the southern Celebes. They were also allies with the Ternatans, and the latter were involved with the Maguindanao Sultanate in its conflicts with Spain during the 17th C.

In summary, I think the attribution of this sword to a Sulu raider is likely correct. The sword itself is likely Sulu with identifiable Malayan features. Early to mid-19th C seems about right. Although documented in 1874, we are not told when the sword was parted from its last Moro owner, which may have predated 1874 by some time.

Regards,

Ian.

9th November 2024, 01:55 PM	#12
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,333	Hi adamb, Thank you again for showing this interesting illustration. I agree with Xasterix that it is hard to identify the number of waves on this sword, but five seems like a reasonable guess. I hesitate to guess as to its length, but it ciukd be longer than Xas suggests. I also agree that the "elephant trunk" area is too indistinct to offer an opinion of tribal origin. However, there are some other features that are worth mentioning. First, the blade lacks the "arrowhead feature" of so-called archaic kris. Therefore, in my opinion and in support of Cato's dating, it is very unlikely this blade was made pre-1800. Second, the blade may have a fuller (darker central area) running almost to the tip. If this structure is a fuller, then that is an unusual feature on Moro kris and suggests a Malayan influence. The hilt is a common fighting style from the 19th C, with multiple bands of woven rattan or twine capped with a small kakatua pommel. (The pommel is small but there are more diminutive examples, including ones that have a "beak" but lack the "crest.") The style shown is commonly seen on 19th C Sulu kris made for the "common man" (at least judging from the quality of the dress, which tends to be rather plain and inexpensive). The scabbard is also interesting. It features an upturned toe and a cross piece that is very similar to scabbards on Malay sundang. There is a beautiful kris in a very similar scabbard shown on the dust jacket of Cato's book. The cross-piece of the scabbard is ivory, and both the scabbard and hilt are decorated with silver and gold. Unfortunately, we do not get to see the blade. The Moros of the Sulu Archipelago have longstanding relationships with their Malayan neighbors in northern Borneo and the former Malay States. I see significant Malayan influence in many Sulu kris, especially in the dress. Xasterix has mentioned that he consults Malay friends about the influence of Malayan styles in Moro weapons, so he may have some more to comment on this one. You note that the entry for this sword says that it came from a Sulu raider. These rasids likely involved Sama people because they were the best Sulu sailors and navigators in the Sulu Sea and adjacent waters. Interestingly, the Mindanao Moros traded extensively with the Bugis in the southern Celebes. They were also allies with the Ternatans, and the latter were involved with the Maguindanao Sultanate in its conflicts with Spain during the 17th C. In summary, I think the attribution of this sword to a Sulu raider is likely correct. The sword itself is likely Sulu with identifiable Malayan features. Early to mid-19th C seems about right. Although documented in 1874, we are not told when the sword was parted from its last Moro owner, which may have predated 1874 by some time. Regards, Ian.