Moro keris/kalis ID

adamb · Today, 02:39 AM

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone can provide a little information on this keris/kalis; likely source of origin in the region, and approximate age? Both are of interest but especially the latter, as it might help make sense of the inscription on the label.

Any and all insight much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Battara · Today, 04:54 AM

I'd venture Maguindanao (Island of Mindanao) and mid 19c.

I'll let others correct me.

Rick · Today, 06:27 AM

I'd like to see a close up, in focus horizontal image of the label.
I think that's important in helping trace the history.

How about length overall, blade, etc.

That is a really nice example of an old Moro kris, and it doesn't look like it has had any recent 'restoration'.

Maurice · Today, 09:52 AM

Beautiful sundang.

I would say Sulu, and pre 1880 (but I'm no expert in Filipino blades).
Maybe it even wandered with the seafarers for their piracy practices, and it ended up at the Sarawak/Borneo coastal areas.

It looks like the scabbard had been 'painted' with a kind of yellow/goldish like dye?

Today, 02:39 AM	#1
adamb Member Join Date: Oct 2024 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 13	Moro keris/kalis ID Hi All, I'm hoping someone can provide a little information on this keris/kalis; likely source of origin in the region, and approximate age? Both are of interest but especially the latter, as it might help make sense of the inscription on the label. Any and all insight much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Attached Images

Today, 04:54 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,229	I'd venture Maguindanao (Island of Mindanao) and mid 19c. I'll let others correct me.

Today, 06:27 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,294	I'd like to see a close up, in focus horizontal image of the label. I think that's important in helping trace the history. How about length overall, blade, etc. That is a really nice example of an old Moro kris, and it doesn't look like it has had any recent 'restoration'.

Today, 09:52 AM	#4
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,353	Beautiful sundang. I would say Sulu, and pre 1880 (but I'm no expert in Filipino blades). Maybe it even wandered with the seafarers for their piracy practices, and it ended up at the Sarawak/Borneo coastal areas. It looks like the scabbard had been 'painted' with a kind of yellow/goldish like dye?