Backwards hit on WWII-era Moro Kris. Mistake?

Andrew · 27th September 2014, 06:13 PM

Occam's Razor would suggest the most likely reason is someone removed the hilt to clean, examine or replace a missing hilt, and did not know how to correctly put it back.

Ian · 27th September 2014, 06:38 PM

Hi Dave:

I think it is unlikely that a person brought up as a Moro (meaning the various Muslim tribal groups that are found in the southern Philippines and nearby areas) would deliberately mount a hilt in a manner that goes against tradition. The orientation of the hilt is in harmony with the curves of the blade, such that the terminal luk results in the tip pointing downwards with the normal orientation of the hilt. The Moro also adopted a blade that was tilted downward from the hilt such that a chopping strike would be enhanced. The orientation of the hilt is therefore central to the orientation of the blade and to the manner in which a Moro sundang is used in combat.

I would also point out that the Indonesian keris, on which the Moro kris is likely based or at least shares some common ancestry, has the same arrangement for the hilt and blade.

Replacing the hilt in the opposite direction might well appeal to someone from a different culture for the very reasons you mentioned.

Ian.

27th September 2014, 06:13 PM	#1
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Occam's Razor would suggest the most likely reason is someone removed the hilt to clean, examine or replace a missing hilt, and did not know how to correctly put it back.

27th September 2014, 06:38 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hi Dave: I think it is unlikely that a person brought up as a Moro (meaning the various Muslim tribal groups that are found in the southern Philippines and nearby areas) would deliberately mount a hilt in a manner that goes against tradition. The orientation of the hilt is in harmony with the curves of the blade, such that the terminal luk results in the tip pointing downwards with the normal orientation of the hilt. The Moro also adopted a blade that was tilted downward from the hilt such that a chopping strike would be enhanced. The orientation of the hilt is therefore central to the orientation of the blade and to the manner in which a Moro sundang is used in combat. I would also point out that the Indonesian keris, on which the Moro kris is likely based or at least shares some common ancestry, has the same arrangement for the hilt and blade. Replacing the hilt in the opposite direction might well appeal to someone from a different culture for the very reasons you mentioned. Ian.