Photgraphy Question regarding Ivory Kris

[Spunjer]

david,

definitely would love to get with you sooner, but we're going on vacation the next couple weeks. will be back on the 11th. but yeah, we definitely need to get ASAP! would like to have a non biased opinion on this...


labantayo,

lol, that's a very tempting offer, but i really like to enjoy this kris for awhile... but then again, i've seen some of your toys, and now that i got your attention... you got pm...


zel,

wassup bro! long time no hear! noticed you haven't been active here for awhile. the original owner mentioned he talked to another filipino prior to selling this sword to me and he did mentioned about the 'bad karma' stuff the filipino mentioned. so was that you? i try to be level headed, but now it looks like i'm starting to get the creeps, lol.
anywho, last time we corresponded you mentioned about you were in the verge of finalizing your book, Aming Sundang (Our Sword). i know you were trying to iron out some differences with ateneo de davao press. how's everthing coming along on that? would the book be available here in the states, or would that just gonna be released in the philippines? inquiry mind wanna know...
email me, brad:
spiderguard77@yahoo.com
pm's on the way as well...

[Bill M]

Though this is more often a concern for Javanese and Balinese keris, I would suspect that Moro kris might also move on their own. This could account for the blurry pictures.

I would suggest a large cover with substantial Hebew and Javanese power symbols (since you mention SOLOman) to be sure that this kris does not carry out nocturnal missions. Be careful!

[zelbone]

Spunger,
Yo bro! Email has been sent in regards to that kris of yours. If you find it too cryptic and want to talk about it, we can set up a time and discuss it over SKYPE or Yahoo messenger...just email or text me when a good time is with you and I can clear my schedule. Try also to get hold of Mabagani; I think he also knows about the macabre history of your kris and knows some people in the states that can help you out. Unfortunately, I believe he was banned on this forum so if you don't have any contact info on him let me know. He's probably your best resource in these matters.

As far as the book is concerned...It's done. It's just a matter of what I want to include or leave out. And right now I'm debating whether I should publish it or not. If I do publish, it's going to be an extremely limited run and only available in the Philippines. I'll let you know if it happens and save you a copy...I already had you on the list . I do have it as a MS Word document and as a PDF....but it's huge....over 300 pages and 200 photos and diagrams. LabanTayo has a copy of that, but I told him not to share it with anyone. Let me know if you're interested and I'll text him.

Regards,

Z

[Bill M]

Hi Zel,

Congratulations on finishing your book. Assume it has to do with Filipino weapons, also hopefully culture, history, art, religion and all the integral parts of your wonderful culture.

Also good to see you and others posting again.

Though I have recently gotten a few pieces, like a good 19th c S. Philippines, Mindanao, Bagobo shield, (It is missing the top bar, may have Arjan/Mandaukudi, or Battara make one for me) I have been thinking about studying another culture because there is so little good information on the PI.

Seriously thinking abut selling some of my PI weapons --- the lower end pieces --- and getting into Nihonto. If this happens, I'll be posting PI in the Swap Forum.

Good luck with your book. With your knowledge and experience it should be a welcome addition.

[BSMStar]

Sorry I got in late on this...

These things just creep me out. I would say "Awesome Kris, let me know if you want to get rid of it," but after what happen with the last ivory hilt I got... my wife will not let get another one. I am serious. Dude, treat it with respect.

Hey Zelbone!

Long time no hear... I hope you are doing well! Keep me in mind too.

[Spunjer]

sorry, took awhile to respond, but i was trying to adjust with time change.

I would suggest a large cover with substantial Hebew and Javanese power symbols (since you mention SOLOman) to be sure that this kris does not carry out nocturnal missions. Be careful!

bill, not sure about that. but what i keep going back to was what a maranao told me when i inquired about the esoterics: swords with strong talismanic symbols were meant for their original owner, once in someone else's possession of another it sets off a curse. but i guess that's what makes these collection so interesting sometimes; the stories that goes with it. to counter it with another hocus focus won't help explain the unknown. i realize there's a lot of stuff out there we don't know about, reason i try to keep an open mind.

one thing for sure tho; my family haven't slept this peacefully in awhile. but i must attribute that to being on vacation...

[Mare Rosu]

Spunjer;
Have another idea, I just did an Iron filling test on a dagger I just got see;
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4979
Why not try it on your blade? If there is energy emitting form the blade I would think it would have an associated magnetic field around it as well. You might want to test it with a compass ( I have a good supply first just to see if it would change directions.
Gene

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

bill, not sure about that. but what i keep going back to was what a maranao told me when i inquired about the esoterics: swords with strong talismanic symbols were meant for their original owner, once in someone else's possession of another it sets off a curse. but i guess that's what makes these collection so interesting sometimes; the stories that goes with it. to counter it with another hocus focus won't help explain the unknown. i realize there's a lot of stuff out there we don't know about, reason i try to keep an open mind.

one thing for sure tho; my family haven't slept this peacefully in awhile. but i must attribute that to being on vacation...

Well, I wouldn't put it under my pillow. I have a few pieces that I keep outside my home, but since I live in a warehouse, they are still secure.

I understand that many shaministic pieces from various cultures can contain spirits, Jen, that were attached to their original owners. It is believed that without the proper rituals to keep them happy and in place, they can become problems.

In some cultures these pieces were destroyed or substantially damaged/altered in order to release the spirits, or at least make the pieces unusable by other people.

Some Indonesian keris have been taken out to sea and thrown into deep water. I don't suggest you do this with a beautiful artifact like you have, but this could also be an alternative.

Not knowing the original history of your kris -- though I strongly sense that someone you know does know a great deal about its "past life" -- (just a feeling I have) I would take the suggestions of Zel and especially Mabagani, whom I greatly respect, and do what they say.

In my past delving into metaphysical matters that began to get "hot," I was impressed by the Jesuits. They have some powerful exorcism rituals, and they know how to use them. But I have only experienced this in regard to them exorcising people.

All things happen for a reason, and God never works on only one person at a time. I wish you and yours peace and understanding.

It is good to have you posting again.

[Battara]

Originally Posted by BSMStar

Long time no hear... I hope you are doing well! Keep me in mind too.

It is good to hear from both of you. Zel.....please keep me in mind as well on your book...

[Andrew]

Zel, great to hear you're planning on publishing. It's a shame it will be such a limited run. Frankly, I'd be happy to pay handsomely for a book like you've described, and I'm sure you would have many potential customers in the States.