Kris - Sulu or Mindanao?

[Ian]

Originally Posted by xasterix

J... so mixed signatures aren't really that uncommon

Thanks Xas. I agree completely about mixed signatures.

As a somewhat related side note, there have also been "adoptions" of Moro swords by Lumad and other Mindanao groups that add to the mix of kris and kalis presentations. With regard to these Lumad adoptions, in my experience most of the blades seem to have Maguindanao characteristics. In addition, the blades are usually slimmer, shorter and lighter than the Maguindanao battle kris of the late 19th C, which were often bulkier than earlier forms. I have wondered whether there was a deliberate divestment of some of the older Maguindanao kris through trade to the Lumad groups, but have found no evidence for such a concerted effort. It would make an interesting research study to examine the trade in weapons from Moro to Lumad groups, and vice versa.

I have been told by long term residents of Mindanao that intermarriage between Moro and Lumad groups was relatively common pre-WWII, but perhaps less frequent since the mid-20th C, possibly related to the rise in Muslim activism among the Bangsamoro peoples (who include the original non-Muslim, indio native groups of Mindanao of which the Lumad are members). My informants live in Davao City and travel to Cotobato City on a monthly basis for business reasons.