My first moro kris

[ThePepperSkull]

Wanted to up this thread in particular because of the weaving done on the Scabbard. Like Ian, I wonder if this could be a Yakan piece -- at least in terms of the weaving on the scabbard, but that brings me to a question:

I am aware that the Yakans preferred the Pira over other blades, and that there are several examples of Yakan-made Barung (I assume due to the expansion of the Sulu Sultanate and the settling of the Bajau people in Basilan).... But were the Yakan ever known to use Kris? It had just occured to me that I have not seen a Yakan Kris nor do I know if they exist. (potentially aside from this piece, but it could very well just be a re-binding of a kris from elsewhere like Sulu)

If they do exist, would this piece be an example of a Yakan Kris? If not, what features would they have to typify them as originating from Yakan in terms of manufacture? And if they did not exist at all aside from recycling Sulu kris, why did the Kris not catch on in Basilan amonst the Yakans like the Barung did?

[Maurice]

I've had a moro kris with similar windings once in a few years ago I believe...
It also had this horsehoof like pommel, with pieces of MOP.

According the little holes in Flavio's pommel, I think it could be likely that it had MOP pieces also in the past...??

[Dom]

Flavio congratulations, nice shot
really, beautiful dagger
but beware, already you put a finger,
then hand will pass though soon,
then the arm ... and it's too late ... you are fucked

à +

Dom

[Battara]

Originally Posted by Maurice

I've had a moro kris with similar windings once in a few years ago I believe...
It also had this horsehoof like pommel, with pieces of MOP.

According the little holes in Flavio's pommel, I think it could be likely that it had MOP pieces also in the past...??

Yes I would concur - MOP panels in those places in my experience. MOP was used in the start of the 20th century for the most part.

[Amuk Murugul]

Originally Posted by Battara

Yes I would concur - MOP panels in those places in my experience. MOP was used in the start of the 20th century for the most part.

Hullo everybody,

Just to add:
Pearl started to be commercially harvested off the coast of West Australia (Roebuck Bay, Broome) about 1861 using Aboriginal and Islander divers. In the 1870s, divers from Asia were used; Malays, Japanese, Filipino etc.
During this period, MOP was an important commodity, being used for buttons, cutlery etc.

Best,