I think I have a Gunong?

kai · 12th July 2013, 08:21 PM

I'm with David - regardless what this is referred to locally in modern times, this is not a Moro kris IMHO (for the reason's given). A huge, oversized Maranao gunong is obviously a sensible description.

Huge gunong seem to have been in vogue in Marawi since the 1970s or so. This must be one of the largest I've ever heard about though! Does anybody know wether these were really part of Maranao culture (as the large/huge gunong were post-WW2)? Or were they just curiosities/monstrosities akin to the over 1m long Moro kris or Keris Jawa/Madura?

Obviously, many of these large/huge gunong got also sold in Manila (and local) tourist shops.

Regards,
Kai

laEspadaAncha · 12th July 2013, 10:13 PM

I know the sharp undulations as seen on this particular example are generally indicative of a post-1950 attribution, but following Pershing's order outlawing the wearing of the kris (or swords in general?), didn't some gunongs morph and grow in size, and in some cases, were even made to bear an intentional resemblance to the kris?

David · 12th July 2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

I know the sharp undulations as seen on this particular example are generally indicative of a post-1950 attribution, but following Pershing's order outlawing the wearing of the kris (or swords in general?), didn't some gunongs morph and grow in size, and in some cases, were even made to bear an intentional resemblance to the kris?

Well, once a dagger grows big enough to be a sword, it IS a sword. I don't think simply calling a gunong that is this length just a dagger would carry much weight with Pershing's soldiers in regards to the ban. I would also think that logic holds that one would want to make a gunong look less like a kris if indeed kris have been banned. I mean, the more it looks like a kris the more likely you are to get in trouble for it, eh?

All the really big ones that i have seen seem to be post 1960s at the earliest. These over-sized gunongs mostly seem aimed at those who travel for pleasure. This isn't to say that there weren't some larger pre-WWII gunongs, but i would say it was the fashion until later. I'd say if you got 'em folks (older ones of great length), show 'em.

laEspadaAncha · 13th July 2013, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I would also think that logic holds that one would want to make a gunong look less like a kris if indeed kris have been banned.

Not for someone currently reponding to this thread who may or may not have an inherent problem with authority.

Battara · 13th July 2013, 03:52 AM

OK, perhaps I was a little liberal with my nomenclature. I guess it would be more an over sized gunong.

However, I have seen new 1960s krises with all the similar features but without a ganga and they are now also called krises.

I agree that this is not a true kris.

zachsau72 · 16th July 2013, 02:27 AM

I didn't mean to spark such a heated discussion, but I really appreciate all the knowledge and info. Thank you all very much. I take it that these"Huge Gunong" or "Gunong/ Kris", were not common practice. Does that make my sword rare and desirable or somewhat of a fake and a trinket?

Robert · 16th July 2013, 03:05 AM

Hello zachsau72,
My personal opinion on this piece is that it was made for those who travel (tourist) and is of little collector value. This is just my personal opinion and others might disagree with my evaluation. Sorry.

Best,
Robert

16th July 2013, 02:27 AM	#6
zachsau72 Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 4	Huge Gunong I didn't mean to spark such a heated discussion, but I really appreciate all the knowledge and info. Thank you all very much. I take it that these"Huge Gunong" or "Gunong/ Kris", were not common practice. Does that make my sword rare and desirable or somewhat of a fake and a trinket?

12th July 2013, 08:21 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	I'm with David - regardless what this is referred to locally in modern times, this is not a Moro kris IMHO (for the reason's given). A huge, oversized Maranao gunong is obviously a sensible description. Huge gunong seem to have been in vogue in Marawi since the 1970s or so. This must be one of the largest I've ever heard about though! Does anybody know wether these were really part of Maranao culture (as the large/huge gunong were post-WW2)? Or were they just curiosities/monstrosities akin to the over 1m long Moro kris or Keris Jawa/Madura? Obviously, many of these large/huge gunong got also sold in Manila (and local) tourist shops. Regards, Kai

12th July 2013, 10:13 PM	#2
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	I know the sharp undulations as seen on this particular example are generally indicative of a post-1950 attribution, but following Pershing's order outlawing the wearing of the kris (or swords in general?), didn't some gunongs morph and grow in size, and in some cases, were even made to bear an intentional resemblance to the kris?

13th July 2013, 03:52 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	OK, perhaps I was a little liberal with my nomenclature. I guess it would be more an over sized gunong. However, I have seen new 1960s krises with all the similar features but without a ganga and they are now also called krises. I agree that this is not a true kris.

16th July 2013, 03:05 AM	#7
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello zachsau72, My personal opinion on this piece is that it was made for those who travel (tourist) and is of little collector value. This is just my personal opinion and others might disagree with my evaluation. Sorry. Best, Robert