A Moro Kris With Restoration Questions

[Tim Simmons]

I am in the process of purchasing this Kris here in the UK. What I would like to know, what would have originally been inlayed into the pommel? To my eyes the hole was cut at the time of making the pommel, just does not look natural. This is a well travelled kris.

[Sajen]

Like stated in up, the same type of wood as the pommel.

Regards,
Detlef

[Tim Simmons]

Clearly been cut at the time of making. Why cut a hole to fill with the same wood? I have ivory and mop, also human teeth but that is a Fijian thing.

[Tim Simmons]

conch?

[David]

Could have been ivory or MOP. At this point we will never know for sure, so if you choose to fill it with some material i would say it is dealer's choice.

[Tim Simmons]

I am trying to find a material that may have been inlayed to the pommel. If there is anybody with knowledge of magical amulets relating to the list below would be very helpful.

Kabal (or kunat) - agimat that supposedly make the skin invulnerable to cuts and sword slashes.[14]
Pamako - agimat or orasyon (magical prayer) that supposedly nail down entities to keep them from moving[15]
Tagabulag - agimat that supposedly turns the wearer invisible against their enemy[14] or blind them[15]
Tagaliwas - agimat that can supposedly deflect bullets[15]

What is going on here, English translation would be very informative.

https://fb.watch/tOXevo9wl1/

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I am trying to find a material that may have been inlayed to the pommel. If there is anybody with knowledge of magical amulets relating to the list below would be very helpful.

Kabal (or kunat) - agimat that supposedly make the skin invulnerable to cuts and sword slashes.[14]
Pamako - agimat or orasyon (magical prayer) that supposedly nail down entities to keep them from moving[15]
Tagabulag - agimat that supposedly turns the wearer invisible against their enemy[14] or blind them[15]
Tagaliwas - agimat that can supposedly deflect bullets[15]

What is going on here, English translation would be very informative.

https://fb.watch/tOXevo9wl1/

Pamako could mean nail when the language is Tagalog, but I doubt it's Tagalog language.
Sorry, I still strongly doubt that there was an amulet inlay, I have seen several inlays in Moro wooden pommels like shown in up.
Amulets (anting anting) are most of the time coins or fabric. Do a little bit search at this place and you will find several examples.
Here is a restoration with MOP but I guess that there was once a coin.
Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Clearly been cut at the time of making. Why cut a hole to fill with the same wood? I have ivory and mop, also human teeth but that is a Fijian thing.

Hi Tim,

I don't think that there was any other material inlaid than wood, it could be that there was a knothole so the maker inlayed the same type of wood.

This place would be very unusual for an amulette.

Regards,
Detlef

[Tim Simmons]

I should stick to what I know . There is no going back know.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

I should stick to what I know .

That's exactly the problem, we just don't know and only can guess!
I think Chiefheadknocker had once made the correct decision to let it like it is!

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Tim,

I don't think that there was any other material inlaid than wood, it could be that there was a knothole so the maker inlayed the same type of wood.

This place would be very unusual for an amulette.

Regards,
Detlef

Agree with Detlef. These woods have very contorted grain patterns and can often have voids or checks in the material. I expect these inlays are for this purpose.
Imagine putting all the work into shaping a beautifully grained pommel and coming across a void. Throw out your work or patch it with a matching piece.
I doubt these are talismanic at all.

[kai]

Hello Tim,

I'm with Detlef, Albert, and Rick - most certainly this was an inset wooden patch to repair any defect in the material. This is not unusual with Moro burlwood hilts, especially larger ones (cp. Albert's example).

An inlay from the same piece of wood will have blended in well. The position would not lend itself for any contrasting inset - just looks bad. As an alternative to keep it as is, you could try filling it with a resin paste with wood dust and matching color (or as last resort go for a blackish resin patch).

Regards,
Kai

[Tim Simmons]

I am not familiar with these weapons. I was surprised how heavy the blade is on this piece. I had a straight bladed version possibly of similar age, I think the blade was quite a bit lighter in weight. I sold it to Detlef he might still have it. When in your hand the cut rectangle does not stand out and jar the eye. All I have done is to colour the chipped area so it does not, hit your like a big pizza pie