Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 234:
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. The kris has always been the most famous of all Moro weapons and there are a wide set of variation of blade types, handle forms, and materials. 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. Straight fighting blades were also common, and could be found mounted with very fine hilts despite the general belief that multi-luk or waved blades were considered more prestigious. One of the additional ways in which origins are identified are through the design of the elephant head trunk and cavity of the ganja. Generally Sulu kris have cavities which are elliptical in shape. The mouth cavity and lower jaw point downwards towards the base of the guard (Cato1996).This example in the Schmiedt Collection is a good example of a 19th century Sulu fighting kris of very fine design with aged and patinated elements displaying early construction elements. The pommel is a carved kakatua form while the grip is wrapped in silver bands and rattan binding, which is artfully wrapped around the kakatua crest. This likely keeps the pommel more securely attached to the pommel but also is an interesting design elements found rarely on other kris. The straight fighting blade displays a well carved ganja of Sulu form while the blade otherwise displays a fine lamellar pattern. Dates to the 19th century. An exceptionally fine and rare example. Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 25" Blade Length : 20 1/2".Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.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. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of thePhilippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print.Off.5. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art.Macau6. Wetzler, S. (2020) Steel and Magic. Edged Weapons of the Malay Archipelago. Edition Fichter, Frankfurt am Main. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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