Moro: Kalis Seko with old restoration!

[Maurice]

Originally Posted by kai

Congrats, neat find! Looks like a southern Sulu piece to me - interesting chubby blade with really nice scabbard.

Thanks!
I think this one is a good match to my captain Chimmo budiak!

Originally Posted by kai

This looks like an old make-shift repair to me to safe the precious crosspiece - not sure this is Moro work though. BTW, are that iron nails where the lighter fiber/rattan thread is attached to? I'm wondering why this patinated differently than the hurried rattan binding just below (which should be of the same age). Is there any wear which would suggest that this piece saw continued usage after the repair rather than immediately finding its way into a colonial collection?

You observed well Kai. Those are iron nails, and the "lighter" fiber is being put on strain by these nails.
The different patination is easy to explain. It is very different material which is not easily seen on the images I guess.
It is a kind of very thin fiber threads, all put together and plaided to achieve one bigger fiber cord.
There is no clearly visibale wear which suggests the use after the restoration...So i guess it indeed might be latter. However the two holes in the crosspiece are much older, considering the patination and dirt which is in it...

Originally Posted by kai

I'm looking forward to seeing more details of the unusual blade! Its short length and chubby proportions make me wonder wether this could have been a boy's ceremonial kris...

I also felt it different with that "chubby" blade.
However I guess it would be to heavy/large for a boy's ceremonial kris?
IMO this was not used as ceremonial kris, concerning the patina, wear and damages all over the piece...
The kris is almost 65 cm long. The blade only is 47 cm long.

Ofcourse after cleaning and etching, I will post some images of the whole blade.

Kind Regards,
Maurice

[kai]

Hello Maurice,

However the two holes in the crosspiece are much older, considering the patination and dirt which is in it...

I wouldn't place much emphasis on dirt/etc. which can accumulate a highly different rates. Is there any evidence for wear of the wood at those holes in the crosspiece though?

However I guess it would be to heavy/large for a boy's ceremonial kris?
IMO this was not used as ceremonial kris, concerning the patina, wear and damages all over the piece...
The kris is almost 65 cm long. The blade only is 47 cm long.

The blade length is within the range of Sulu pieces but certainly an exception with non-archaic blades; OTOH the blade is very broad, especially for a Sulu piece, but isn't shortened later either. This makes me think that the blade has been intentionally "shortened" during the forging to make it fit a somewhat smaller person (boy not kid).

A ceremonial usage like exhibiting the status of a datu's son during formal events wouldn't preclude training and everyday carry, too. However, the copper band on the hilt doesn't support my assumption that this is clearly a datu-level piece; considering the wood quality, this must have been a fairly wealthy family though...

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Attaching pics of the blade...

[Maurice]

Originally Posted by kai

I wouldn't place much emphasis on dirt/etc. which can accumulate a highly different rates. Is there any evidence for wear of the wood at those holes in the crosspiece though?

Absolutely. Holes are definately not newly drilled!

Originally Posted by kai

What metal is the wire holding it?

The copper band on the handle is connected with a brass wire.

Originally Posted by kai

A ceremonial usage like exhibiting the status of a datu's son during formal events wouldn't preclude training and everyday carry, too. However, the copper band on the hilt doesn't support my assumption that this is clearly a datu-level piece; considering the wood quality, this must have been a fairly wealthy family though...

I agree that it isn't a datu piece according the copper band on the hilt.
But I can't see why it should be for a boy because of the chubby blade.
But you have seen a lot more pieces as I have of these, so I will surely take it in my consideration.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Maurice,

Absolutely. Holes are definately not newly drilled!

Sure, I'm seeing the patina and all...

However, is there really any wear (thread used for binding actually cutting into the originally drilled/carved wood)? (As in the penai you had.)

I agree that it isn't a datu piece according the copper band on the hilt.
But I can't see why it should be for a boy because of the chubby blade.

Speculation on my part. Will explain the line of reasoning later.

Regards,
Kai

[Maurice]

Originally Posted by kai

Is there really any wear (thread used for binding actually cutting into the originally drilled/carved wood)? (As in the penai you had.)

The thread is not cutting into the drilled/carved wood.....so no wear to see here...