PIRA

[Ian]

Hi Xas,

Good to hear from you on the subject of pira. Interesting that the Maranao chose to produce "tourist" versions for American servicemen. I think my examples fall into the same category.

The relationship between the U.S. military and the Maranao people was rather tense at times IIRC. For example, the U.S. punishment expeditions led by Pershing in the early 1900s were unfriendly engagements with the Maranao. So I'm a bit surprised that the Maranao were trading with U.S. servicemen a decade or two later. Also, IIRC, most of the U.S. military on Mindanao were located in and around Reina Regente, close to the HQ of Datu Piang in Cotobato during the period 1901–1925. Perhaps trade with the Maranao picked up closer to WWII and after.

[Rick]

Here is a Pira that went to Macao and is in the History of Steel catalogue.

[werecow]

Does the pommel stalk have a function (hooking maybe?) or is it decorative?

[kai]

Does the pommel stalk have a function (hooking maybe?) or is it decorative?

The common story is that the extension helps to protect the wrist (i.e. lower arm). Would be great to get more info from inside the Yakan culture...

Obviously, the modern pommel versions tend to be exaggerated and non-functional.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Here are some more threads:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26922
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=26593

[werecow]

Originally Posted by kai

The common story is that the extension helps to protect the wrist (i.e. lower arm). Would be great to get more info from inside the Yakan culture...

Obviously, the modern pommel versions tend to be exaggerated and non-functional.

Regards,
Kai

Interesting. I have noticed that with the kakatua pommel on my kalis that it prevents the wrist from overextending as I have attempted to show below using my amazing paint skills. Could that also be part of it?