Wooden Kris

Max Flower · 22nd October 2005, 08:05 AM

Hello all,

I was wondering if any of the experts out there may be able to shed more light on a wooden sword that was given to me by a good friend
and antique dealer in Holland. I was told it was from Java. The sword measures 27 inches overall and has
a blade length of 20.5 inches, there is a piece near the handel that has broken off long ago from the looks of the wood
color on the break, I learned this piece is called a "gangya".

So far I've learned that according to Cato, author of "Moro Swords", that 'some of the maranaos of mindanao
produced wooden copies of their swords, which were then placed in the rafters of the house, along with
a shield and other effects. these were provided for the use of the spirits who were thought to protect the household.'
Could mine be one of these?

I have also looked all over the net and couldn't find any that were similar. Any clues or info rough idea on value ??
Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some pictures:

http://img76.exs.cx/img76/7713/IMG_1637.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3738/IMG_1639.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/473/IMG_1641.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/8240/IMG_1642.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3884/IMG_1643.jpg

Thanks very much for your time.

Peter,
Canada

22nd October 2005, 08:05 AM	#1
Max Flower Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1	Wooden Kris Hello all, I was wondering if any of the experts out there may be able to shed more light on a wooden sword that was given to me by a good friend and antique dealer in Holland. I was told it was from Java. The sword measures 27 inches overall and has a blade length of 20.5 inches, there is a piece near the handel that has broken off long ago from the looks of the wood color on the break, I learned this piece is called a "gangya". So far I've learned that according to Cato, author of "Moro Swords", that 'some of the maranaos of mindanao produced wooden copies of their swords, which were then placed in the rafters of the house, along with a shield and other effects. these were provided for the use of the spirits who were thought to protect the household.' Could mine be one of these? I have also looked all over the net and couldn't find any that were similar. Any clues or info rough idea on value ?? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pictures: http://img76.exs.cx/img76/7713/IMG_1637.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3738/IMG_1639.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/473/IMG_1641.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/8240/IMG_1642.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3884/IMG_1643.jpg Thanks very much for your time. Peter, Canada