Kris: Sulu or Sumatra?

Battara · 8th January 2023, 08:33 PM

In my experience this would be a Sulu blade. The top of the scabbard in this boat shape is also indicative of Sulu pieces.

However, there was a lot of trade in the region with Tausug people, so would not be surprised if it might have been traded in Sumatra. I think it more likely that the dealer gave it a mistaken attribution.

kai · 8th January 2023, 11:00 PM

Thanks, Jose, I forgot to discuss the implications of the scabbard: If this kris found its way to Sumatra, it almost certainly would have received a Melayu scabbard.

The covering of the scabbard is certainly unusual. If it's not a later cover-up by any dealer, it might point to final use outside the Moro groups, indeed.

Regards,
Kai

8th January 2023, 08:33 PM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	In my experience this would be a Sulu blade. The top of the scabbard in this boat shape is also indicative of Sulu pieces. However, there was a lot of trade in the region with Tausug people, so would not be surprised if it might have been traded in Sumatra. I think it more likely that the dealer gave it a mistaken attribution.

8th January 2023, 11:00 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Thanks, Jose, I forgot to discuss the implications of the scabbard: If this kris found its way to Sumatra, it almost certainly would have received a Melayu scabbard. The covering of the scabbard is certainly unusual. If it's not a later cover-up by any dealer, it might point to final use outside the Moro groups, indeed. Regards, Kai