Another Unusual Moro Kriss....any ideas??

CharlesS · 27th October 2008, 09:20 PM

Here is yet another Moro kriss variant. I have seen several brass pommel krisses, but not a fully cast brass hilt like this. The seam in the casting seems to be covered with yet another piece of highly detailed work to the bottom of the pommel.

Also note the high detailed and somewhat unusual belalai gajah and jenggot gajah(Indonesian terms for those parts), or lower guard. The 'elephant trunk' has not been shortened or broken, and appears higher and more notched than typical....if, indeed, that is the 'trunk'.

Any ideas regarding origins are welcomed. I have no reason to think this is anything other than Moro, but from where, more specifically?

Spunjer · 27th October 2008, 10:25 PM

most likely, maguindanao, charles, with the handle casted by a neighboring t'boli smith..

CharlesS · 27th October 2008, 10:41 PM

I wondered if there might be T'boli involvement....seems like every time a piece of brass orginates from the Philippines the T'boli or Bagobo become an option.

apolaki · 28th October 2008, 12:13 AM

what are those two silvery stripes on each end of the bottom of the sword's base called?

Spunjer · 28th October 2008, 01:40 AM

check out this bagobo sword (sorry, pics slightly out of focus):

middle

the reason i said t'boli is because of their proximity to the maguindanao. but then again could be a Bagobo handiwork

apolaki, are you referring to the metal straps? if it is, depending on the tribe, it's either baka-baka, or asang-asang

CharlesS · 28th October 2008, 01:55 AM

Great pic/example Spunjer. Thanks.

I'm a little surprised now that we haven't seen other similar kriss examples.

Battara · 28th October 2008, 03:35 AM

Tboli are renowned for their brass work and are experts at casting solid brass hilts.

David · 28th October 2008, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spunjer

apolaki, are you referring to the metal straps? if it is, depending on the tribe, it's either baka-baka, or asang-asang

To take Ron's explanation a step further , these straps are used to secure the blade to the hilt. They are not merely decorative.

Rick · 28th October 2008, 02:16 PM

Also referred to as 'stirrups' by some .

27th October 2008, 09:20 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Another Unusual Moro Kriss....any ideas?? Here is yet another Moro kriss variant. I have seen several brass pommel krisses, but not a fully cast brass hilt like this. The seam in the casting seems to be covered with yet another piece of highly detailed work to the bottom of the pommel. Also note the high detailed and somewhat unusual belalai gajah and jenggot gajah(Indonesian terms for those parts), or *lower guard. The 'elephant trunk' has not* been shortened or broken, and appears higher and more notched than typical....if, indeed, that is the 'trunk'. Any ideas regarding origins are welcomed. I have no reason to think this is anything other than Moro, but from where, more specifically? Attached Images

28th October 2008, 02:16 PM	#9
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,290	Straps Also referred to as 'stirrups' by some .

27th October 2008, 10:25 PM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	most likely, maguindanao, charles, with the handle casted by a neighboring t'boli smith..

27th October 2008, 10:41 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	I wondered if there might be T'boli involvement....seems like every time a piece of brass orginates from the Philippines the T'boli or Bagobo become an option.

28th October 2008, 12:13 AM	#4
apolaki Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 160	what are those two silvery stripes on each end of the bottom of the sword's base called?

28th October 2008, 01:40 AM	#5
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	check out this bagobo sword (sorry, pics slightly out of focus): middle the reason i said t'boli is because of their proximity to the maguindanao. but then again could be a Bagobo handiwork apolaki, are you referring to the metal straps? if it is, depending on the tribe, it's either baka-baka, or asang-asang

28th October 2008, 01:55 AM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Great pic/example Spunjer. Thanks. I'm a little surprised now that we haven't seen other similar kriss examples.

28th October 2008, 03:35 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	Tboli are renowned for their brass work and are experts at casting solid brass hilts.