Early Philippines Sulu Moro Kris Sword

Status: Sold · Region: China, East Asia, Tibet · Type: Swords

This fine example of a late 18th C. Moro kris, also know as a kali or sundang, displays the classic indications of an early period Moro Sulu region kali. The 13 luk wavy blade is finely made with a distinctive and fine quality fullering at the ricasso, coupled with the finely grained wooden pommel, and fine forging are all indications of an early made Moro sword.

Krieger, writing in 1926 of the collection of Philippine weapons in the, then, U.S.National Museum writes of the Moro smithies that made these fine iron blades:

"The statement often made regarding the excellence and superiority of Moro workmanship in iron and steel is only partially true. Many of the steel blades attributed to the Mohanmiedan Moro were- probably made by Mohammedan smiths in Borneo where the iron; industry is older and where the peculiar Malay weapons assume their most characteristic and beautiful shapes. It is true, however, that nowhere in the Philippines are there as many types of fine metal blades, richly ornamented with gold, silver,  and brass as among the Moros of the Sulu Archipelago and in western Mindunao."

He also illustrates a similar example in Plate 14 in the reference below noting "No. 1. Old type of serpentine grooved blade provided with ornamental guard piece and sword breaker fastened with single stirrup; round wooden grip covered with bands of braided rattan. Moro, Mindanao."

Overall condition is fine, with the blade displaying characteristic age wear, the grip remaining in fine condition, and the pommel of distinctly finely grained wood called banati wood and prized for the burl inherent in the patterning. The scabbard also finely made and original to the sword.

Reference:

Krieger, H.W. (1926) - The Collection of Primitive Weapons and Armor of the Philippine Islands in the United States National Museum, Smithsonian Institution; United States National Museum Bulletin No. 137