Holy Grail

[Jazz]

Thank you, Gav. that's a beautiful kampilan! ever since you have posted that, I've been dreaming about owning a similar type, with bells and double handguards. you are indeed lucky to acquire that!
would you care to post your ivory kampilan, Batara? It would indeed be nice to have some sort of database for the holy grail.
Okay, we are starting to narrow it down here.
so for a kampilan, an ivory and gold handle (similar to the one on Cato's book, I believe it's the one that's in the Philippine Museum) or similar would be THE holy grail.
For kriss: a large cockatoo ivory pommel with gold handle, and twistcore. i concur with that! I wonder if our fellow forumite Bill M. would have an example of that type that he can post (hint, hint). there is a fine example on Cato's book as well.
For the barong:Bill M's barong would certainly qualify as the holy grail in the barong world! I have not seen a lot of those myself. Again, going back to Cato's book, there is a barong that has a similar type of handle materials. Hope whoever owns it at the moment would post a clearer picture, or pictures. here's a link to his wonderful gold and ivory barong:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=barong

[David]

I think Bill's example that you link to her is pretty close for me, but i also think that this is pretty much a personal matter. I don't think a general "holy grail" exists.

[Jazz]

Of course there is, David. we just haven't established it yet.

[Battara]

Jazz - your wish is granted:

(the eyes are silver coins, the "staple" is silver, and the grip is made of alternating silver and copper okir bands)

[Battara]

Here is the piece with the scabbard carved in Maranao okir the entire length of the scabbard (it is in 2 pieces and in break away form).

[Nathaniel]

Fun thread...all this talk about the Holy Grail had me thinking of Indian Jones and Last Crusade...I know this is geeky, but remember at the end when they have to choose the grail among a whole collection of goblets? The fancy one turned the guy to dust! And it was the plain cup of the carpenter that was the real grail! Anyways, so the real grail should be both rare and functional...not just fancy :P Nah, well, I understand though, just a fun topic for discussion

[Jazz]

thank you for posting your kampilan, Battara! that's a real nice one. anybody else?

[Maurice]

To me it could be the combination with provenance, even without ivory and gold...

[David]

Originally Posted by Jazz

Of course there is, David. we just haven't established it yet.

Sorry Jazz, i disagree. Tastes vary far too widely amongst collectors for there ever to be agreement on a "holy grail" of Moro weapons. The comparison is weird anyway. The Holy Grail is a singular article of desired attainment. As collectors we never desire just one thing. And it is not desired because it is necessarily beautifully crafted or stunningly decorated, but because of how it was used and whose lips it reportedly touched (and as the story goes, whose blood it may have once held).
You might come closer narrowing down the field asking for a "holy grai"l of kris, or kampilan, or barong, etc. But even then tastes will vary. Not everyone likes fancy, pretty weapons. Some collectors prefer a good battle blade to a dandied up datu weapon. Maybe my ideal of the "holy grail" of kris is not the pretty, perfect weapon, but the one historically known to have brought down some high ranking American officer in battle. That would be more in keeping with the grail concept anyway as the actual Holy Grail, if such a thing does exist, is most probably a modest little cup that had a fantastic history, not some silver or gold jewel encrusted thing.
I am afraid that you or anybody else will never be able to establish what i like personally. It just can't be done.
That said this thread is a great opportunity to show off everyone's best and favorite Moro weapons. So bring 'em on fellas. But i can assure you nothing will be establishes by it.

[Rick]

I'm about full up on personal Grails meself .

Rick

[Indianajones]

OEPS . . . . .I apparently overread that this is a quest for the 'Holy Grail' of MORO arms . . . .. . .sorry to disrubt the thread!

Guess I wont bother you with this dusty boring Northern shield I found in my attic!

[Jazz]

thank you for the clarification, David!!! You have an excellent point. Not to mention, there are still Moro weapons out there that is still "undiscovered", so yeah, it's pretty hard to say. And yes, you are right about provenance as well.

You might come closer narrowing down the field asking for a "holy grai"l of kris, or kampilan, or barong, etc.

This is exactly what I am trying to figure out. so ok, maybe not THE Holy Grail, but close would be good

Again, on Cato's book, the picture of the Kris and the Barong that were attributed to the sultan or well-off datu, the ones with gold fitting, would be as close to a holy grail in their particular field. Too bad there's no close ups. But being so rare and exquisite looking, I'm sure moro enthusiasts wouldn't mind having any of these pieces in their collection!

hello, indianajones, is that a barong?