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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 636
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This kris sat on eBay for a long time (probably over a year). I risked buying it because I felt it was special.
After receiving it all the way from Greece, I realized the hilt was already compromised (it had a large, median crack and disintegrating hemp wrap). I decided to replace with a vintage Maguindanao hilt that I had, but still retained the original broken pommel (the crest was torn clean off). I etched it afterwards, and was pleased with the results. Another noteworthy thing about the kris is its scabbard plate pattern. It's non-Moro. Being familiar with some Luzon patterns, I compared it with acanthus leaf found on Spanish-era furniture. The pics I enclosed are from a 19th century comoda made either in Batangas or Laguna. I'm theorizing that a migrant Tagalog artisan in Moroland made the carving. It's also possible that the piece was captured, and the second owner decided to have it personalized in a Tagalog area. The mixed heritage of some PH blades is really interesting, and helps flesh out the possible journey of a blade through bygone eras. Last edited by xasterix; 12th June 2023 at 12:39 PM. |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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Thanks, Ray, that is a very elegant blade as far as non-archaic pieces are concerned!
I'd guess this dates back to the mid-19th century. Also twistcore is rare with diamond cross-sections. Could you add dimensions, please? Do you have pics of the original configuration even if damaged? I'm afraid that I don't see much semblance of the crosspiece carving with the Filipino style shown; especially the mediterranean Acanthus motif seems to be missing. I'd rather posit that there seem to be Melayu ties: While most Malay motifs represent flowers with radial symmetry, a few may be shown in profile; also the vegetal/vine motif seems to be closer IMHO. For example, fairly similar flowers are shown in "Spirit of Wood" on pages 86-87 (top figure). If not traditional Moro/Sulu ukkil, maybe more recent influence via Brunei? Regards, Kai |
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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Sorry, pp. 96-97: FL005.
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#4 | |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 636
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#5 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,156
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Very nice sword Xas, and even better resto work. Congratulations.
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 636
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,818
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Nice buying xasterix, and sweet blade.
Carved Sampir are not all that common... I've referenced what examples I have on file and whilst most are loosely ths profile shape, none carry the same or similar motifs. |
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