Wooden Kris

Max Flower · 22nd October 2005, 09:05 AM

Hello all,

I was wondering if any of the experts out there may be able to shed more light on a wooden sword that was given to me by a good friend
and antique dealer in Holland. I was told it was from Java. The sword measures 27 inches overall and has
a blade length of 20.5 inches, there is a piece near the handel that has broken off long ago from the looks of the wood
color on the break, I learned this piece is called a "gangya".

So far I've learned that according to Cato, author of "Moro Swords", that 'some of the maranaos of mindanao
produced wooden copies of their swords, which were then placed in the rafters of the house, along with
a shield and other effects. these were provided for the use of the spirits who were thought to protect the household.'
Could mine be one of these?

I have also looked all over the net and couldn't find any that were similar. Any clues or info rough idea on value ??
Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some pictures:

http://img76.exs.cx/img76/7713/IMG_1637.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3738/IMG_1639.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/473/IMG_1641.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/8240/IMG_1642.jpg
http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3884/IMG_1643.jpg

Thanks very much for your time.

Peter,
Canada

Alam Shah · 22nd October 2005, 12:09 PM

I think it is as what you've mentioned but from Philippines not Java. It could also probably be used as a wooden training sword for praticing, as well.

Bill · 22nd October 2005, 01:52 PM

I would think it is from the Philippines, not Java.

nechesh · 22nd October 2005, 04:35 PM

I agree with my fellows here. Not from Java, but the Philippines. This is definitely meant as a Moro kris. The Indonesian keris look a bit different. My guess is that it's purpose is just as descibed by Cato. I wouldn't think it was intended to be a practice sword because all that detail would be unnecessary for such usage. Also seems to have a bit of an edge which would only chip considerably in sparring.
I'm afraid you won't get a value estimate here as it is against forum policy to make such evaluations.

LabanTayo · 23rd October 2005, 02:55 AM

Its from the Philippines. Its made from Kamagong wood. Looks like a souviner type thing you would find in Quiapo or Ermita in Manila. Its actually kind of neat because of all the detail. At least it tries to look Moro.

22nd October 2005, 09:05 AM	#1
Max Flower Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1	Wooden Kris Hello all, I was wondering if any of the experts out there may be able to shed more light on a wooden sword that was given to me by a good friend and antique dealer in Holland. I was told it was from Java. The sword measures 27 inches overall and has a blade length of 20.5 inches, there is a piece near the handel that has broken off long ago from the looks of the wood color on the break, I learned this piece is called a "gangya". So far I've learned that according to Cato, author of "Moro Swords", that 'some of the maranaos of mindanao produced wooden copies of their swords, which were then placed in the rafters of the house, along with a shield and other effects. these were provided for the use of the spirits who were thought to protect the household.' Could mine be one of these? I have also looked all over the net and couldn't find any that were similar. Any clues or info rough idea on value ?? Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pictures: http://img76.exs.cx/img76/7713/IMG_1637.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3738/IMG_1639.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/473/IMG_1641.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/8240/IMG_1642.jpg http://img76.exs.cx/img76/3884/IMG_1643.jpg Thanks very much for your time. Peter, Canada

22nd October 2005, 12:09 PM	#2
Alam Shah Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,248	I think it is as what you've mentioned but from Philippines not Java. It could also probably be used as a wooden training sword for praticing, as well. Last edited by Alam Shah; 22nd October 2005 at 03:11 PM.

22nd October 2005, 01:52 PM	#3
Bill Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago area Posts: 327	I would think it is from the Philippines, not Java.

22nd October 2005, 04:35 PM	#4
nechesh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 940	I agree with my fellows here. Not from Java, but the Philippines. This is definitely meant as a Moro kris. The Indonesian keris look a bit different. My guess is that it's purpose is just as descibed by Cato. I wouldn't think it was intended to be a practice sword because all that detail would be unnecessary for such usage. Also seems to have a bit of an edge which would only chip considerably in sparring. I'm afraid you won't get a value estimate here as it is against forum policy to make such evaluations.

23rd October 2005, 02:55 AM	#5
LabanTayo Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kansas City Posts: 177	Its from the Philippines. Its made from Kamagong wood. Looks like a souviner type thing you would find in Quiapo or Ermita in Manila. Its actually kind of neat because of all the detail. At least it tries to look Moro.