Kris: Sulu or Sumatra?

kai · 7th January 2023, 05:46 PM

Congrats, Rob!

Be proud: Your training paid off! (There are many uninformed collectors, dealers, and even curators. Never trust any uncorroborated story; never trust any label that can't be verified.)

Given that the Tausug were heavily plying the waters of the archipelago, there still is a slim chance that the piece might have been collected on Sumatra. It doesn't look like a museum tag though.

I agree that the piece is Sulu. (They got the first 2 letters right...

)

The katik (gangya) certainly looks separate to me. I'd place the blade as very late 19th century to early 20th century.

Is the clamp magnetic? I'd guess at nickel "silver" though (same as the ferrule).

Regards,
Kai

7th January 2023, 05:46 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Congrats, Rob! Be proud: Your training paid off! (There are many uninformed collectors, dealers, and even curators. Never trust any uncorroborated story; never trust any label that can't be verified.) Given that the Tausug were heavily plying the waters of the archipelago, there still is a slim chance that the piece might have been collected on Sumatra. It doesn't look like a museum tag though. I agree that the piece is Sulu. (They got the first 2 letters right... ) The katik (gangya) certainly looks separate to me. I'd place the blade as very late 19th century to early 20th century. Is the clamp magnetic? I'd guess at nickel "silver" though (same as the ferrule). Regards, Kai