Authentic moro sword?.

hoorn178 · 27th October 2007, 10:21 AM

Dear all,
Could you please help me identifying if this is an authentic moro sword?.

Thanks in advance

Friendly regards,

Bart.

kai · 27th October 2007, 03:28 PM

Hello Bart,

Yes, the blade is genuine: I'd estimate it to originate from 1900-1930, probably Sulu. BTW, try staining the blade to bring out the laminations!

Did this piece come directly from the Philippines? I'd guess it has been worked over recently: The asang-asang are replacements and the grip bindings look like replacements (in suitable style); I'm not so sure about the age of the pommel. Textile covered scabbards also seem a modern (post-WW2?) phenomenon, probably to cover up for having only wood of lesser quality available.

Still, the whole ensemble seems to be Moro (possibly Maguindanao) with an (almost) antique blade - that's pretty good to start a collection with...

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 27th October 2007, 09:41 PM

I agree with you Kai. I'd say blade is authentic early 20th century and the rest is later. The head looks like aluminum, but not sure. The blade, scabbard, and style of hilt are Maguindanao, although the cloth looks Maranao (next door neighbors).

Nice start. Try the etching with some acid on the blade and see what you get. Good luck.

kai · 27th October 2007, 10:25 PM

Thanks Jose,

Quote:

The blade, scabbard, and style of hilt are Maguindanao

I finally have all pics coming up: From the 4th pic from above, I'm also thinking Maguindanao blade - it's amazing how slight changes in the angle of the camera can distort lines. One really needs to have a scientific rather than art approach when documenting these blades...

Quote:

although the cloth looks Maranao (next door neighbors).

I have a Sulu kris with a textile-decorated scabbard which hailed from Maranao area. Maybe this is a more recent Maranao "fashion?" I can't remember seeing any pieces exported from North or South Cota Bato with scabbards covered with Maguindanao cloth - anybody?

Regards,
Kai

27th October 2007, 10:21 AM	#1
hoorn178 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Netherlands Posts: 23	Authentic moro sword?. Dear all, Could you please help me identifying if this is an authentic moro sword?. Thanks in advance Friendly regards, Bart. Attached Images

27th October 2007, 03:28 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Hello Bart, Yes, the blade is genuine: I'd estimate it to originate from 1900-1930, probably Sulu. BTW, try staining the blade to bring out the laminations! Did this piece come directly from the Philippines? I'd guess it has been worked over recently: The asang-asang are replacements and the grip bindings look like replacements (in suitable style); I'm not so sure about the age of the pommel. Textile covered scabbards also seem a modern (post-WW2?) phenomenon, probably to cover up for having only wood of lesser quality available. Still, the whole ensemble seems to be Moro (possibly Maguindanao) with an (almost) antique blade - that's pretty good to start a collection with... Regards, Kai

27th October 2007, 09:41 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	I agree with you Kai. I'd say blade is authentic early 20th century and the rest is later. The head looks like aluminum, but not sure. The blade, scabbard, and style of hilt are Maguindanao, although the cloth looks Maranao (next door neighbors). Nice start. Try the etching with some acid on the blade and see what you get. Good luck.