The Moro Ball Pommel Kriss Sword

Ian · 20th July 2018, 06:43 PM

Charles, once again you have come up with another stunning piece! I am also a fan of the ball pommel. A few years ago I was offered a kris in Manila with a lovely ivory ball, but the kris was all handle and no blade--the blade was of poor quality and the sword was not meant to be drawn in anger, just admired for its hilt. So I passed on it.

I do have a couple of kris with ball hilts. These are in Bagobo or T'boli dress, although I think they were made by either Maguindanao or Maranao craftsmen. Kino may be right, that they are a variant of the horse hoof pommel.

Nice collection that you have.

Regards,

Ian.

Battara · 21st July 2018, 12:03 AM

This ball kris is the nicest I have seen. This piece appears to be Sulu. Very nice.

Ian · 21st July 2018, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

... This piece appears to be Sulu. Very nice.

I agree. The scabbard looks Sulu. Ian

Battara · 21st July 2018, 05:04 PM

Here are pictures of a nearly identical piece for comparison. I would place the blade at possibly being Maguindanao, or a cross of Maguindanao and Sulu:

CharlesS · 21st July 2018, 05:35 PM

Awesome find Battara, and on this one I see no indication that the pommel is made in two parts, unless it is cut horizontally and the cut is hidden by the silver ring.

I would assume as well that the silver wire woven grip allows us to attribute this one to at least a low ranking noble.

Thanks for this contribution to the thread!

kino · 21st July 2018, 08:29 PM

There’s a photo of Datu Kalun sporting a kris with an impressive ball pommel. I’ve seen the photo in one of the threads.
This notable photo of a guard house in Sulu has a ball pommeled kris. It could be Datu Kalun’s, but I believe his had a braided silver wire wrap.

kino · 21st July 2018, 08:32 PM

Here’s the extent of my kris’ with ball pommel.
Obviously someone has cornered all the ivory ones.

21st July 2018, 05:04 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	Here are pictures of a nearly identical piece for comparison. I would place the blade at possibly being Maguindanao, or a cross of Maguindanao and Sulu: Attached Images

21st July 2018, 08:29 PM	#6
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	There’s a photo of Datu Kalun sporting a kris with an impressive ball pommel. I’ve seen the photo in one of the threads. This notable photo of a guard house in Sulu has a ball pommeled kris. It could be Datu Kalun’s, but I believe his had a braided silver wire wrap. Attached Images

21st July 2018, 08:32 PM	#7
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,020	Here’s the extent of my kris’ with ball pommel. Obviously someone has cornered all the ivory ones. Attached Images

20th July 2018, 06:43 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	Charles, once again you have come up with another stunning piece! I am also a fan of the ball pommel. A few years ago I was offered a kris in Manila with a lovely ivory ball, but the kris was all handle and no blade--the blade was of poor quality and the sword was not meant to be drawn in anger, just admired for its hilt. So I passed on it. I do have a couple of kris with ball hilts. These are in Bagobo or T'boli dress, although I think they were made by either Maguindanao or Maranao craftsmen. Kino may be right, that they are a variant of the horse hoof pommel. Nice collection that you have. Regards, Ian.

21st July 2018, 12:03 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	This ball kris is the nicest I have seen. This piece appears to be Sulu. Very nice.

21st July 2018, 05:35 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Awesome find Battara, and on this one I see no indication that the pommel is made in two parts, unless it is cut horizontally and the cut is hidden by the silver ring. I would assume as well that the silver wire woven grip allows us to attribute this one to at least a low ranking noble. Thanks for this contribution to the thread!