Talismanic symbols?

VVV · 4th December 2006, 01:35 PM

Maybe we could have this thread to gather meanings of different Talismanic inscriptions (inspired by Bill's Metaphysical thread)?
My contribution is this, quite often seen, inlay on a Moro Kris.
I haven't found out the meaning of it yet, have you?

Michael

Jim McDougall · 7th December 2006, 01:00 AM

Hi Michael,
This is an excellent topic for a thread!!!
Unbelievable though that there are no responses from the Keris Kadre' out there to say more on this unusual marking!!

C'mon keris guys, I'd like to know more on this, and hopefully some more markings for discussion.

The subject of talismanic markings on ethnographic blades is pretty vast, so I know there should be lots of entries.
Best regards,
Jim

kino · 7th December 2006, 05:53 AM

A Moro Kris inscripted on both sides. Many have probably seen the other inscripted side of the blade. Less have seen this side. To my knowledge Cato
has unlocked the meaning of the script. Refer to pages 21 (plate #8), & 102 of Cato's book.

Second photo is nearest the tip of the blade. Sorry for the poor quality photos, as to photographing it is difficult.

kai · 7th December 2006, 08:40 AM

It's a pity but there seems to be very little documented on Moro talismanic symbols. BTW, what happened to the forumites stationed on Jolo? Maybe they could try to research what knowledge may have survived locally?

Here are 2 more inlaid kris for reference:

Kalis Seko (Sulu)

Luma (Maguindanao?)

(tip towards the right; more pics: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1243)

Regards,
Kai

VVV · 7th December 2006, 10:22 AM

Kai,

On your Luma the vegetative vine motif usually represent the creative forces.
The end looks like a rounded version of the old trident symbol.
Probably it's then Shiva's trident from the old beliefs still existing within Folk Islam?
If so one mening of the inlay could be that it's directing strong metaphysical forces towards the direction of the point (=opponent)?
An alternative meaning I have heard is that some people think it's a Naga and the end is a tongue?

Michael

Spunjer · 7th December 2006, 01:00 PM

a sundang with some serious agimat engravings on one side. just like this one on macario sakay's bulletproof vest...

4th December 2006, 01:35 PM	#1
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Talismanic symbols? Maybe we could have this thread to gather meanings of different Talismanic inscriptions (inspired by Bill's Metaphysical thread)? My contribution is this, quite often seen, inlay on a Moro Kris. I haven't found out the meaning of it yet, have you? Michael Attached Images

7th December 2006, 05:53 AM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 990	A Moro Kris inscripted on both sides. Many have probably seen the other inscripted side of the blade. Less have seen this side. To my knowledge Cato has unlocked the meaning of the script. Refer to pages 21 (plate #8), & 102 of Cato's book. Second photo is nearest the tip of the blade. Sorry for the poor quality photos, as to photographing it is difficult. Attached Images

7th December 2006, 01:00 PM	#6
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	a sundang with some serious agimat engravings on one side. just like this one on macario sakay's bulletproof vest... Attached Images

7th December 2006, 01:00 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,815	Hi Michael, This is an excellent topic for a thread!!! Unbelievable though that there are no responses from the Keris Kadre' out there to say more on this unusual marking!! C'mon keris guys, I'd like to know more on this, and hopefully some more markings for discussion. The subject of talismanic markings on ethnographic blades is pretty vast, so I know there should be lots of entries. Best regards, Jim

7th December 2006, 08:40 AM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,246	It's a pity but there seems to be very little documented on Moro talismanic symbols. BTW, what happened to the forumites stationed on Jolo? Maybe they could try to research what knowledge may have survived locally? Here are 2 more inlaid kris for reference: Kalis Seko (Sulu) Luma (Maguindanao?) (tip towards the right; more pics: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1243) Regards, Kai

7th December 2006, 10:22 AM	#5
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Kai, On your Luma the vegetative vine motif usually represent the creative forces. The end looks like a rounded version of the old trident symbol. Probably it's then Shiva's trident from the old beliefs still existing within Folk Islam? If so one mening of the inlay could be that it's directing strong metaphysical forces towards the direction of the point (=opponent)? An alternative meaning I have heard is that some people think it's a Naga and the end is a tongue? Michael