Garuda Kris

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

Ian, is a "Matched" pair the correct lens where that lantaka is concerned?

The barrels are joined by an integral central rib running front to back, and are retained in a single pivot and articulation. I only see a single double barreled Lantaka.

Hi Gavin,

Yes, it is a double lantaka (two complete lantaka joined together), which I noticed at the time I made my post. They were not two lantaka that were plain, looked alike, and got married. They were actually designed and made to be a complementary pair (i.e., "matched"), albeit joined together into a single entity.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Gavin,

Yes, it is a double lantaka (two complete lantaka joined together), which I noticed at the time I made my post. They were not two lantaka that were plain, looked alike, and got married. They were actually designed and made to be a complementary pair (i.e., "matched"), albeit joined together into a single entity.

Thanks Ian,

I struggle with the terminology personally. (INSERTING BROKEN SHRUG EMOJI)

[Gavin Nugent]

Another for reference.

[kino]

Blade - 17.75 in.
Pommel - carabao horn

[xasterix]

When I encountered this kris, I immediately remembered this thread and my assertion that the figural may be a naga, or snake. I encountered this pre-WW2 Maguindanao kris blade with a Maranao hilt (sorry I wasn't able to snap a pic of the whole blade). The snake is clearly depicted here

[Ian]

Hi Xas,

Good to see you posting another interesting kris. The snake (naga) motif on Maranao pieces in particular seems well established, but I think it may not go back very far. I posted a decorative 20th C gunong with a distinct naga hilt a while ago here. I'm wondering whether your kris might fall into the same category.

The hilt appears to be very flattened in thr plane of the blade, limiting the way in which it can be held. Uncommon orientation for a kris which usually has a circular cross-section. Do you think the hilt has a particular spiritual meaning?

Regards, Ian.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Xas,

Good to see you posting another interesting kris. The snake (naga) motif on Maranao pieces in particular seems well established, but I think it may not go back very far. I posted a decorative 20th C gunong with a distinct naga hilt a while ago here. I'm wondering whether your kris might fall into the same category.

The hilt appears to be very flattened in thr plane of the blade, limiting the way in which it can be held. Uncommon orientation for a kris which usually has a circular cross-section. Do you think the hilt has a particular spiritual meaning?

Regards, Ian.

Halloo Ian! I think the pommel represents either lineage or political alignment. I'm betting it was made sometime pre-war, most conservative estimate would be postwar.