Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 2:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sea area called a kris. The classic Moro kris is based heavily on the Indonesian keris but is distinctly larger and made purposefully for fighting. While the classic terminology of kris is used for these Philippine and Sulu sea swords, they are also known as Sundang. Generally all kris blades are wide at the base, double-edged, and can be waved, half-waved half-straight, or straight in which case they were more practical in combat. Older kris had fewer waves and the waves were deeper and wider. Over time the waves became shallower, tighter, and more numerous and therefore required greater skill to prevent the blade bouncing off or being stuck in an enemy’s body. The higher number of waves meant the more potent the kris was in talismanic power. Sometimes engravings (often filled in with brass or silver inlay) are found on the blade in okir motifs (vines, foliage, etc.) or Arabic script. The terminology used to describe kris depends on the ethnic group in the southern Philippines that wielded the kris but the name used by the Tausugs, Samals and Yakans is kalis, while in Mindanao and in the Malay and Borneo regions where it was carried it is called Sundang and is used by the Maranaos, Maguindanos and others.Older kris before the 19th century tended to be smaller in size. Laminated steel patterns are sometimes evident. One of the other key defining features of almost all kris blade is the ganja, or the portion of the blade at the base and which on genuine antique example is welded on, has opposite the hook like fretwork on the right side (with the blade facing up), is a cavity in the form of an elephant, eagle, or the mouth of a naga (a mythical snake).This example in the Schmiedt Collection of fine quality. The hilt a simple straight handled form with a flat silver hilted pommel while the grip is woven with twine. The blade is secured to the handle through the use of dual clamps called asang-asang in Tausug and baca-baca in Maguindanao languages. The 9 luk blade is a good fighting example of heavy construction with long shallow waves while the cavity indicates the origin may be Mindanao. The relative straightness of the blade indicates this would have been more useful in battle.Dating to the late 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 28 1/4" Blade Length : 24 1/2"References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Barados, D., (1995) Land of the Morning: Treasures of the Philippines, San Francisco Craft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum of Cultural History4. Combes, F. (1667) Historia de Mindanao y Joló, por el p. Francisco CombÃĩs … Obra publicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboración del p. Pablo Pastells … saca nuevamente á luz W. E. Retana. Madrid: [Viuda de M. Minuesa de los Rios]5. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of the Philippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print. Off..6. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art. MacauDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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