Unusual Moro Sword for discussion

[Ian]

Received via email:

"Btw regarding your odd Moro sword posted on the forum- it was made in Tugaya, by the Maranao. The clue is in the ferrule (same style/materials as those on gunong), the okir on the scabbard, and the inward-turning guard. They always used that weird misplaced guard on their swords."

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Ian

Received via email:

"Btw regarding your odd Moro sword posted on the forum- it was made in Tugaya, by the Maranao. The clue is in the ferrule (same style/materials as those on gunong), the okir on the scabbard, and the inward-turning guard. They always used that weird misplaced guard on their swords."

Good insights right there casual reader.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20835

[Ian]

Thanks Gavin. I forgot about that old post eight years ago. Maranao it is.

[Athanase]

I have already seen 3 close blades, with a handle of the same general shape (but without detail) which was identified as Minangkabau.
The handle does more Sumatra for me. but there are so many influences that intersect in these regions that it is not always easy to know.

Here is one of the 3 examples of which I found the photo on the internet. The other two had a handle closer to Ian's

[Interested Party]

Originally Posted by Athanase

I have already seen 3 close blades, with a handle of the same general shape (but without detail) which was identified as Minangkabau.
The handle does more Sumatra for me. but there are so many influences that intersect in these regions that it is not always easy to know.

Here is one of the 3 examples of which I found the photo on the internet. The other two had a handle closer to Ian's

That is a beautiful and refined knife. The whole piece looks like Sumatran influence. The tang/handle junction is different than Ian's which seems like it would change how the blade handles.

[kai]

I have already seen 3 close blades, with a handle of the same general shape (but without detail) which was identified as Minangkabau.
The handle does more Sumatra for me. but there are so many influences that intersect in these regions that it is not always easy to know.

Here is one of the 3 examples of which I found the photo on the internet. The other two had a handle closer to Ian's

I beg to differ, Séverin: Neither the hilts nor the blade shapes are really close relatives. And, as mentioned by IP, the bolster is a different construction compared to the guard+ferrule.

What you're referring to is a whole family of antique blades from central Sumatra while Ian's modern piece is made in Tugaya - apparently not based on any specific ancestral Maranao blade. It might have been an early attempt to copy (or mix influences) which ended in the fantasy pieces being produced in Tugaya since the later 20th c.

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

I beg to differ, Séverin: Neither the hilts nor the blade shapes are really close relatives. And, as mentioned by IP, the bolster is a different construction compared to the guard+ferrule.

Have to agree Séverin, I don't see any great resemblance, sorry.