MARANAO KRIS (LARGE)

[tanaruz]

Hi friends,

Here's a kris that seems to be quite large. Actually the largest in our collection. The OAL is: 36 inches, with a blade: 29 inches.

This kris came from Lanao. And in all possibility, a Tugaya piece. Could this be ceremonial kris?

Here are some points on the item:

1) the pommel: claims to be made from animal bone (it has small, short unparallel lines, and not continuous (Haversian system); the seller does not know what kind of bone;

2)Hilt: silver (had it tested)
3)Baka-baka/asang-asang : silver, tested
4) scabbard: fine hardwood material; silver clamps
5) Blade: presence of brass/bronze dots (from the baka-baka area to the near tip of the blade)

Questions:

a) is this Maranao ceremonial kris? If so, what kind of ceremony is this type being displayed?

b) possible age?

Appreciate all inputs and thanks in advance,

Enjoy and kind regards,

Yves