Interesting Maranao naga (?) gunong

Ian · 7th January 2024, 10:40 AM

Hello Milandro,

I agree with much of what you say. The blade is not weapon grade, and I don't think it was ever intended to be used as a weapon. There are many such decorative/talismanic items around, as you noted, and this may be a rather high end example of a 20th C, purely decorative, Maranao piece. I say "high end" because of the gilt scabbard and fancy hilt. As I'm sure you are aware, historically gold decoration was reserved for Moro royalty and certain highly placed officials in the service of the Sultan.

My interest is more with the possible talismanic features of the piece, with its depiction of what I believe is a naga, running from end to end. This may have significance in its original culture.

I plan to remove the oxidation from the blade to get a better appreciation of its markings.

Battara · 19th January 2024, 07:29 PM

It's gold plate, and I think probably for ceremonial or presentation.

I agree that the okir is Maranao

Ian · 20th January 2024, 10:31 AM

Thanks Jose. Good to hear from you.

Sajen · 21st January 2024, 02:45 PM

Hi Ian,

Personally I think that it is a somewhat better gunong/dagger purley made for selling purpose. The gold plating by these items (I've handled a few) is very thin and by wrong storage it's easily damaged. The blades are not forged and far too thin to get used.
So I guess that the "naga" is purely decorative, fantasy mixed with Maranao okir.

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 21st January 2024, 10:09 PM

You're probably right Detlef. I'm still interested in its possible talismanic properties.

Rick · 21st January 2024, 10:47 PM

IMO it's a kris missing its' Gonjo.
Even if it had its' gonjo it still wouldn't be a proper fit to the scabbard.

7th January 2024, 10:40 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hello Milandro, I agree with much of what you say. The blade is not weapon grade, and I don't think it was ever intended to be used as a weapon. There are many such decorative/talismanic items around, as you noted, and this may be a rather high end example of a 20th C, purely decorative, Maranao piece. I say "high end" because of the gilt scabbard and fancy hilt. As I'm sure you are aware, historically gold decoration was reserved for Moro royalty and certain highly placed officials in the service of the Sultan. My interest is more with the possible talismanic features of the piece, with its depiction of what I believe is a naga, running from end to end. This may have significance in its original culture. I plan to remove the oxidation from the blade to get a better appreciation of its markings.

19th January 2024, 07:29 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,270	It's gold plate, and I think probably for ceremonial or presentation. I agree that the okir is Maranao

20th January 2024, 10:31 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Thanks Jose. Good to hear from you.

21st January 2024, 02:45 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	Hi Ian, Personally I think that it is a somewhat better gunong/dagger purley made for selling purpose. The gold plating by these items (I've handled a few) is very thin and by wrong storage it's easily damaged. The blades are not forged and far too thin to get used. So I guess that the "naga" is purely decorative, fantasy mixed with Maranao okir. Regards, Detlef

21st January 2024, 10:09 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	You're probably right Detlef. I'm still interested in its possible talismanic properties.

21st January 2024, 10:47 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	IMO it's a kris missing its' Gonjo. Even if it had its' gonjo it still wouldn't be a proper fit to the scabbard.