A Very Unsual Moro Spear

CharlesS · 25th January 2012, 10:06 PM

This is another spear I recently picked up. I have little doubt it is Moro. It is about 7ft. long, features a finely forged blade that is fullered and laminated...but I am having a devil of a time bringing it out.

The unique thing about it is the octagonal brass ferrule and octagonal haft. The haft only becomes circular at the bottom just before it transitions into a nicely carved horn butt piece.

I have never seen anything remotely like the haft or ferrule on a Moro spear.

Anyone else seen something like this on a Moro spear??

Any input is appreciated!

Battara · 26th January 2012, 12:33 AM

W W! What a nice piece! I like it and I am with you - a Moro piece. Not sure how early but the bamboo like bands on it make me think it could be Sulu. Very pristine. One of your best budiak.

Congrats!

CharlesS · 26th January 2012, 03:04 AM

I am wondering if the octagonal work is an influence of what Moros may have seen on European pole arms...just a thought.

Gavin Nugent · 26th January 2012, 03:51 AM

A fine piece regardless!!!

Rick · 26th January 2012, 04:30 AM

Charles, the horse-hoof kris pommel is octagonal .
As are some barung hilts .
Why not a spear shaft ?

CharlesS · 26th January 2012, 12:45 PM

Good point Rick...just seems like so much work.

Spunjer · 26th January 2012, 03:08 PM

For sure, this is an unusual type. An exception rather than the rule. We've seen non-native materials incorporated on Moro weapons before. Heck, i've seen a bottle bottom placed in the middle of the shield for decoration purposes. The more i look at this particular ferrule, the more i think that it could be chalked into the same category. I noticed that the base of the spearpoint is round. It seems off somehow... Just my 2 cents

Rick · 26th January 2012, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Good point Rick...just seems like so much work.

When we make a spar for a vessel we take it first to an octagonal form and then down to round from there .

I don't know about how much harder it would be; I do know that I covet that spear !

Want !!!!!!

Lew · 29th January 2012, 03:14 AM

Sweet spear! The shaft seems to be narra wood? Charles does it again

.

CharlesS · 29th January 2012, 05:19 PM

Spunjer,

The base of the spearhead is also octagonal, but over time it has shifted so that it is no longer in alignment with the octagonal ferrule. It does sort of give it a round appearance, but it is not.

Sajen · 29th January 2012, 05:28 PM

Congrats Charles,

I fall in love with it!

Regards,

Detlef

Spunjer · 29th January 2012, 07:09 PM

thanks for the clarification, Charles! take it with ya to the louisville show. i would love to look at it closely...

25th January 2012, 10:06 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	A Very Unsual Moro Spear This is another spear I recently picked up. I have little doubt it is Moro. It is about 7ft. long, features a finely forged blade that is fullered and laminated...but I am having a devil of a time bringing it out. The unique thing about it is the octagonal brass ferrule and octagonal haft. The haft only becomes circular at the bottom just before it transitions into a nicely carved horn butt piece. I have never seen anything remotely like the haft or ferrule on a Moro spear. Anyone else seen something like this on a Moro spear?? Any input is appreciated! Attached Images

26th January 2012, 12:33 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	W W! What a nice piece! I like it and I am with you - a Moro piece. Not sure how early but the bamboo like bands on it make me think it could be Sulu. Very pristine. One of your best budiak. Congrats!

26th January 2012, 03:04 AM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	I am wondering if the octagonal work is an influence of what Moros may have seen on European pole arms...just a thought.

26th January 2012, 03:51 AM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	A fine piece regardless!!!

26th January 2012, 04:30 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	Charles, the horse-hoof kris pommel is octagonal . As are some barung hilts . Why not a spear shaft ?

26th January 2012, 12:45 PM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Good point Rick...just seems like so much work.

26th January 2012, 03:08 PM	#7
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	For sure, this is an unusual type. An exception rather than the rule. We've seen non-native materials incorporated on Moro weapons before. Heck, i've seen a bottle bottom placed in the middle of the shield for decoration purposes. The more i look at this particular ferrule, the more i think that it could be chalked into the same category. I noticed that the base of the spearpoint is round. It seems off somehow... Just my 2 cents

29th January 2012, 03:14 AM	#9
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Sweet spear! The shaft seems to be narra wood? Charles does it again .

29th January 2012, 05:19 PM	#10
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Spunjer, The base of the spearhead is also octagonal, but over time it has shifted so that it is no longer in alignment with the octagonal ferrule. It does sort of give it a round appearance, but it is not.

29th January 2012, 05:28 PM	#11
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Congrats Charles, I fall in love with it! Regards, Detlef

29th January 2012, 07:09 PM	#12
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	thanks for the clarification, Charles! take it with ya to the louisville show. i would love to look at it closely...