An Interesting Kris

kai · 16th April 2013, 08:41 AM

The regular kris sword was the EDC and alter ego of any male Moro and, contrary to fairly late developments of keris culture on Java, was meant to be used if (perceived to be) needed. Not carrying a functional kris (or barung in Sulu regions) was akin to advertising being dumb enough to bring a toothpick to a swordfight. (To modify a common saying...

)

I never heard that anyone attending formal Moro ceremonies was asked to put down arms or come with "toys" instead of the real thing (I guess this would have been regarded as severe insult to the guest as well as showing lack of courage on side of the host). A datu had retainers around him which certainly doubled up as bodyguards to deter unwise moves.

Like today with cars/etc., if someone had a high social status it wouldn't hurt to display a larger or more lavishly fitted sword than your rival on the other side of the mountain. Considering the materials (and longer scabbard) this is certainly a datu-level 'dress dagger' but I don't think it could double for the real thing in Moro culture for any but the youngest sons.

Older kids would wear kris not much smaller than typical ones; I've never seen one of those suggested to be children's kris with a blade distinctly shorter than the scabbard. A dagger (needing a completely different fighting style) would defeat the whole purpose though, I guess.

This configuration with the "oversized" scabbard would make most sense in a colonial setting after sword bans got into effect. However, this piece seems to predate this unfortunate period in Moro history by at least several decades.

To me it seems more probable to be a dagger meant to be worn in addition to a regular-sized Moro kris. Ron, could you please check whether you can see wear suggesting on which side this piece was actually carried?

Regards,
Kai

kai · 16th April 2013, 08:47 AM

For the fun of it: Could you please take a pic of the kris under discussion with a average-size gunong and possibly a children's kris from Mindanao (or a Sulu kris of similar size) next to it, Ron? Thanks a lot!

Regards,
Kai

kai · 16th April 2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Ron, could you please check whether you can see wear suggesting on which side this piece was actually carried?

I assume the side you're showing is the front of the scabbard. I'd especially check the wood for signs of stronger wear from the tip on top being more exposed and (with a lot of luck) on the lower side from wearing in the sash. The silver fittings may also preserve some cues.

Regards,
Kai

Robert · 16th April 2013, 11:44 AM

Hello Spunjer, Seeing that I know little to nothing about kris swords I have a couple of question for those who do. If this is actually a dagger (usually meant mostly for stabbing) and not a true sword (meant for stabbing and heavy slashing motions) would it have originally necessarily even had to have had asing asing ? Is there any real evidence, shadow or worn area on the blade, gangya or remnants of broken mounts that would suggest that this piece ever did have asing asing? Either way, my congratulation to you on this most interesting and beautiful piece.

Best,
Robert

16th April 2013, 08:41 AM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	The regular kris sword was the EDC and alter ego of any male Moro and, contrary to fairly late developments of keris culture on Java, was meant to be used if (perceived to be) needed. Not carrying a functional kris (or barung in Sulu regions) was akin to advertising being dumb enough to bring a toothpick to a swordfight. (To modify a common saying... ) I never heard that anyone attending formal Moro ceremonies was asked to put down arms or come with "toys" instead of the real thing (I guess this would have been regarded as severe insult to the guest as well as showing lack of courage on side of the host). A datu had retainers around him which certainly doubled up as bodyguards to deter unwise moves. Like today with cars/etc., if someone had a high social status it wouldn't hurt to display a larger or more lavishly fitted sword than your rival on the other side of the mountain. Considering the materials (and longer scabbard) this is certainly a datu-level 'dress dagger' but I don't think it could double for the real thing in Moro culture for any but the youngest sons. Older kids would wear kris not much smaller than typical ones; I've never seen one of those suggested to be children's kris with a blade distinctly shorter than the scabbard. A dagger (needing a completely different fighting style) would defeat the whole purpose though, I guess. This configuration with the "oversized" scabbard would make most sense in a colonial setting after sword bans got into effect. However, this piece seems to predate this unfortunate period in Moro history by at least several decades. To me it seems more probable to be a dagger meant to be worn in addition to a regular-sized Moro kris. Ron, could you please check whether you can see wear suggesting on which side this piece was actually carried? Regards, Kai

16th April 2013, 08:47 AM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	For the fun of it: Could you please take a pic of the kris under discussion with a average-size gunong and possibly a children's kris from Mindanao (or a Sulu kris of similar size) next to it, Ron? Thanks a lot! Regards, Kai

16th April 2013, 11:44 AM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Spunjer, Seeing that I know little to nothing about kris swords I have a couple of question for those who do. If this is actually a dagger (usually meant mostly for stabbing) and not a true sword (meant for stabbing and heavy slashing motions) would it have originally necessarily even had to have had asing asing ? Is there any real evidence, shadow or worn area on the blade, gangya or remnants of broken mounts that would suggest that this piece ever did have asing asing? Either way, my congratulation to you on this most interesting and beautiful piece. Best, Robert