Moro keris/kalis ID

[adamb]

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone can provide a little information on this keris/kalis; likely source of origin in the region, and approximate age? Both are of interest but especially the latter, as it might help make sense of the inscription on the label.

Any and all insight much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Battara]

I'd venture Maguindanao (Island of Mindanao) and mid 19c.

I'll let others correct me.

[Rick]

I'd like to see a close up, in focus horizontal image of the label.
I think that's important in helping trace the history.

How about length overall, blade, etc.

That is a really nice example of an old Moro kris, and it doesn't look like it has had any recent 'restoration'.

[Maurice]

Beautiful sundang.

I would say Sulu, and pre 1880 (but I'm no expert in Filipino blades).
Maybe it even wandered with the seafarers for their piracy practices, and it ended up at the Sarawak/Borneo coastal areas.

It looks like the scabbard had been 'painted' with a kind of yellow/goldish like dye?

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Battara

I'd venture Maguindanao (Island of Mindanao) and mid 19c.

I'll let others correct me.

Agreed- Maguin blade (Iranun another possibility), Mindanao dress (possibly Maguin or Iranun also, but not discounting Maranao-area side). I would further conjecture that the blade is nobility-type, early to mid 1800s.