Ebony and Ivory Pira (living in perfect harmony)

Spunjer · 20th November 2009, 08:10 PM

one of the least seen moro swords in cato's book is the pira. primarily a fighting sword, not too many specimens have embellished hilts. although i've seen some that has fantastic handle carvings, i haven't seen any that has the same pizazz as that of a decorated datu barung. well, search no more: the pira's answer to the flashy junggayan barung

handle made out of carabao horn embedded with ivory discs on all four sides. some are missing from the pic, but fortunately, they are all accounted for; it's just a matter of gluing them back to their designated cubby hole.

this must've been made for a Yakan datu. as you can see, the punto is silver, and what is neat, is a brass disc covering the area where the blade connects to the handle. i've only seen this feature on very high end krises. also, a palias (talismanic) hash mark on the spine.

Spunjer · 20th November 2009, 08:12 PM

the blade itself is hugh; nineteen inches long. here it compared to a more common sized pira

but what i really thought was really neat, is the matching kris that has been prolly waiting all these years.

enjoy!

Battara · 21st November 2009, 03:42 AM

Thanks Spunger, nice piece and a rare variant of a rare puppy!

migueldiaz · 21st November 2009, 03:57 AM

yo spunjer, you just made me feel very miserable!

congrats! very nice indeed

Robert · 21st November 2009, 05:20 AM

Spunjer,
Just a couple of things I would like to know. What kind of magic wand or divining rod are you using to find these wonderful items and can I borrow it?

Another great find and addition to your collection.

Robert

migueldiaz · 21st November 2009, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

Just a couple of things I would like to know. What kind of magic wand or divining rod are you using to find these wonderful items and can I borrow it?

Robert, I suspect Spunjer uses none other than a kampilan. And of course he uses the jaws of the "crocodile" as handles of the "divining rod"

Spunjer · 21st November 2009, 06:08 AM

lol, i couldn't believe it when i saw it the first time. the handle threw me off so much that i thought it was indonesian at first. well, for a couple seconds anyways, til reality set it and realized it was a pira. i never seen this variant before. cato, in his book mentioned 'embellished hilt', but without any pics, so, just like Nessie and Bigfoot, where it's claimed they exist, but no clear pics, i reckon posting this beauty is pretty cool proof datu class pira exist.
btw, robert, sorry no magic wand, lol. just being vigilant...

kino · 21st November 2009, 07:04 AM

SCORE!!!

I think there's a presidential museum in Ohio that's missing a very nice Pira.
psssssstt, hoy, let me borrow the key to the back door, pare.

Spunjer · 21st November 2009, 12:35 PM

lol, even mr. hayes didn't find this when he was in mindanao.

the kris was from a fellow forumite...

carlos · 21st November 2009, 01:47 PM

Ahhhhhh!!!

Is ther most beautiful pira I have never seen !!! you must be the happiest man in the world!!
Best regards
carlos

Spunjer · 22nd November 2009, 05:42 PM

thanks carlos. it's always nice to acquire them one of a kind piece. it warms the soul

20th November 2009, 08:10 PM	#1
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	Ebony and Ivory Pira (living in perfect harmony) one of the least seen moro swords in cato's book is the pira. primarily a fighting sword, not too many specimens have embellished hilts. although i've seen some that has fantastic handle carvings, i haven't seen any that has the same pizazz as that of a decorated datu barung. well, search no more: the pira's answer to the flashy junggayan barung handle made out of carabao horn embedded with ivory discs on all four sides. some are missing from the pic, but fortunately, they are all accounted for; it's just a matter of gluing them back to their designated cubby hole. this must've been made for a Yakan datu. as you can see, the punto is silver, and what is neat, is a brass disc covering the area where the blade connects to the handle. i've only seen this feature on very high end krises. also, a palias (talismanic) hash mark on the spine. Last edited by Spunjer; 21st November 2009 at 12:23 PM. Reason: spelling

21st November 2009, 01:47 PM	#10
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 737	Congratulations!!! Ahhhhhh!!! Is ther most beautiful pira I have never seen !!! you must be the happiest man in the world!! Best regards carlos

20th November 2009, 08:12 PM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	the blade itself is hugh; nineteen inches long. here it compared to a more common sized pira but what i really thought was really neat, is the matching kris that has been prolly waiting all these years. enjoy!

21st November 2009, 03:42 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Thanks Spunger, nice piece and a rare variant of a rare puppy!

21st November 2009, 03:57 AM	#4
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	yo spunjer, you just made me feel very miserable! congrats! very nice indeed

21st November 2009, 05:20 AM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Spunjer, Just a couple of things I would like to know. What kind of magic wand or divining rod are you using to find these wonderful items and can I borrow it? Another great find and addition to your collection. Robert

21st November 2009, 06:08 AM	#7
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	lol, i couldn't believe it when i saw it the first time. the handle threw me off so much that i thought it was indonesian at first. well, for a couple seconds anyways, til reality set it and realized it was a pira. i never seen this variant before. cato, in his book mentioned 'embellished hilt', but without any pics, so, just like Nessie and Bigfoot, where it's claimed they exist, but no clear pics, i reckon posting this beauty is pretty cool proof datu class pira exist. btw, robert, sorry no magic wand, lol. just being vigilant...

21st November 2009, 07:04 AM	#8
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,002	SCORE!!! I think there's a presidential museum in Ohio that's missing a very nice Pira. psssssstt, hoy, let me borrow the key to the back door, pare.

21st November 2009, 12:35 PM	#9
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	lol, even mr. hayes didn't find this when he was in mindanao. the kris was from a fellow forumite...

22nd November 2009, 05:42 PM	#11
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	thanks carlos. it's always nice to acquire them one of a kind piece. it warms the soul