A Moro Kriss Blade Fully Mounted in Visayan Dress

[CharlesS]

Moro and Visayan blades are my favorite two blade cultures of the Philippines. Both cultures made exceptional blades of various styles. I have no idea why one culture would choose to use a blade from the other and dress it out in its own form, but below is a just such an example. This Moro made pattern welded blade is a lovely example or Moro blade craftsmanship, but it is fully dressed in Visayan fittings from top to bottom. The hilt is of horn in a classic Visayan "monster" motif with an octagonal brass bolster. The Moro style baca-baca has been retained and appears to fit under the hilt. The scabbard is of a unique style, but the brass fittings are mounted in a way typical to other Visayan sword scabbards.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 27.25in.
Blade length: 21in.
Blade width at the center of the blade: 1.33in.