Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 88:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sea areacalled a kris. The classic Moro kris is based heavily on the Indonesian keris but is distinctlylarger and made purposefully for fighting. The kris has always been the most famous of allMoro 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 halfstraight, or straight in which case they were more practical in combat. Older kris had fewerwaves and the waves were deeper and wider. Over time the waves became shallower, tighter, andmore numerous and therefore required greater skill to prevent the blade bouncing off or beingstuck in an enemys body. The higher number of waves meant the more potent the kris was intalismanic power such as this example. Sometimes engravings (often filled in with brass or silverinlay) are found on the blade in okir motifs (vines, foliage, etc.), Arabic script, or other esotericmotifs such as this example in the Schmiedt Collection. Many kris blades are forged with fullersand these are likely heavily influenced by Malay style keris called malela keris.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is an impressive example of Sulu silver mountedhorsehoof kris with a massive multifaceted pommel. The condition and quality of this krisseparate it from the remaining pieces in the collection as the hilt represents the apex of Suluworkmanship in both design and quality. The grip is bound with silver panels and silver twistedwire. The massive straight fighting blade with a layered lamellar pattern in the middle portion ofthe blade, showing as the lighter portion, and a dark heat treated edge. The carved cavity in theSulu style with a down swept spike and the blade attached to the hilt with two silver asang asang clamps.Good 19th century example.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 27 1/2" Blade Length : 23 3/4" References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Barados, D., (1995) Land of the Morning: Treasures of the Philippines, San FranciscoCraft & Folk Museum, 1995.3. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum ofCultural History4. Combes, F. (1667) Historia de Mindanao y Joló, por el p. Francisco CombÃĩs … Obrapublicada 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 thePhilippine 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.Macau7. Wetzler, S. (2020) Steel and Magic. Edged Weapons of the Malay Archipelago.Edition Fichter, Frankfurt am MainDetailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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