SULU KRIS
 

Hi friends,

Sharing a probable Sulu (tausug) kris.

My father told me that the rattan wrap were an additional accoutrement on the scabbard during the early 80s. Some repairs on the mouth of the scabbard also made during the 80s.

Possible age?

Enjoy,

Yves

Hi Yves,

Your father has an extensive collection!

I would say this one is Sulu all round--blade, hilt, and scabbard. The tortoise shell on the scabbard suggests 1960s-1980s, and as you mention the re-wrapping of the scabbard is consistent with your father's estimate of 1980s.

I don't think the blade and hilt are very much older. The MOP horse hoof hilt is probably 1950s at the earliest, most likely post-1960. The blade has no separate gangya (at least I can see no line) and some of the carving looks non-traditional, suggesting 1960s or later work.

All up, mid- to late-20th C Sulu kalis would be my estimate.

Ian.

I just looked at this and I agree with you Ian.