Maguindanao nobility kris

Gustav · 2nd June 2013, 11:29 AM

Dear All,

these are becoming increasingly rare (unless you regulary have a possibility to visit American flea markets or a museum in Europe is getting closed

, sad but true).

Interesting is the inserted suasa dot near the end of the middle groove. It doesn't go through the blade. Maybe it covers a pitting or some other fault, yet the area around it is quite clean, except for another round and shallow immersion of the same size. Wonder, if you have seen something similar.

Hilt wrapping is quite nice.

I wanted to take a chance and ask, if there are some new insights regarding the attribution of certain kris varieties to various Maguindanao and Maranao ethnic groups.

CharlesS · 2nd June 2013, 02:13 PM

This is a quality piece from top to bottom and certainly fair to attribute it to nobility.

The mounts are outstanding. The inlay is done with skill and is more elegant than is sometimes seen, quite artistic, most especially the central panel.

The blade, minus a few foraging flaws, is very well executed, with the fuller being particularly crisp.

Lovely, magnificent, piece and congrats!!

Sajen · 2nd June 2013, 08:39 PM

Hello Gustav,

can only repeat what Charles have written before, magnificent kris!

My best guess about the suassa dot: talismanic purpose? Maker mark?

Regards,

Detlef

kino · 2nd June 2013, 09:22 PM

Gustav,It is indeed a kris for a nobleman. Congrats on an excellent find.
I wish it was as easy as visiting a U.S. flea market and finding such a piece (unless your name happened to be Spunjer). I've been to many flea markets with expectations of finding treasures and 99% of the time exiting the place with empty hands.

On the suassa dot on the blade, I'm leaning towards a forging flaw cover up. If the indentation was intentional, I think that it would have been placed in the center...my 0.02.

Battara · 2nd June 2013, 10:16 PM

What a magnificent piece!

The blade impresses me most, one of the nicest I have ever seen!

On the dot on the blade - I suppose. I think it's hard to tell for sure really.

Regarding the distinctions between Maranao and Maguindanao - it is very difficult. Sometimes in okir they are identical, sometimes there are small subtleties. The blade differences are easier.

Yes definitely nobility. On the subject of flea markets, well, only one semi recent find for me, but that got stolen.......

Gustav · 3rd June 2013, 10:30 AM

Thank you all for your kind words!

Spunjer · 3rd June 2013, 02:39 PM

Beautiful, beautiful kris, Gustav! can't add anymore that hasn't been said!!! definitely of Datu class. very elegant looking...
the swaasa dot is indeed an enigma. we could only guess on what it represent.

2nd June 2013, 11:29 AM	#1
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,246	Maguindanao nobility kris Dear All, these are becoming increasingly rare (unless you regulary have a possibility to visit American flea markets or a museum in Europe is getting closed , sad but true). Interesting is the inserted suasa dot near the end of the middle groove. It doesn't go through the blade. Maybe it covers a pitting or some other fault, yet the area around it is quite clean, except for another round and shallow immersion of the same size. Wonder, if you have seen something similar. Hilt wrapping is quite nice. I wanted to take a chance and ask, if there are some new insights regarding the attribution of certain kris varieties to various Maguindanao and Maranao ethnic groups. Attached Images

2nd June 2013, 02:13 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	This is a quality piece from top to bottom and certainly fair to attribute it to nobility. The mounts are outstanding. The inlay is done with skill and is more elegant than is sometimes seen, quite artistic, most especially the central panel. The blade, minus a few foraging flaws, is very well executed, with the fuller being particularly crisp. Lovely, magnificent, piece and congrats!!

2nd June 2013, 08:39 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,761	Hello Gustav, can only repeat what Charles have written before, magnificent kris! My best guess about the suassa dot: talismanic purpose? Maker mark? Regards, Detlef

2nd June 2013, 09:22 PM	#4
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,001	Gustav,It is indeed a kris for a nobleman. Congrats on an excellent find. I wish it was as easy as visiting a U.S. flea market and finding such a piece (unless your name happened to be Spunjer). I've been to many flea markets with expectations of finding treasures and 99% of the time exiting the place with empty hands. On the suassa dot on the blade, I'm leaning towards a forging flaw cover up. If the indentation was intentional, I think that it would have been placed in the center...my 0.02.

2nd June 2013, 10:16 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	What a magnificent piece! The blade impresses me most, one of the nicest I have ever seen! On the dot on the blade - I suppose. I think it's hard to tell for sure really. Regarding the distinctions between Maranao and Maguindanao - it is very difficult. Sometimes in okir they are identical, sometimes there are small subtleties. The blade differences are easier. Yes definitely nobility. On the subject of flea markets, well, only one semi recent find for me, but that got stolen.......

3rd June 2013, 10:30 AM	#6
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,246	Thank you all for your kind words!

3rd June 2013, 02:39 PM	#7
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	Beautiful, beautiful kris, Gustav! can't add anymore that hasn't been said!!! definitely of Datu class. very elegant looking... the swaasa dot is indeed an enigma. we could only guess on what it represent.