SULU KALIS

xasterix · 5th September 2020, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

You're welcome, Xas!

BTW, could you add a close-up of the base of the blade, please?

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai, sorry it's not yet fully restored, this was the last closeup I got. The background obscures the elephant face.

Ian · 5th September 2020, 08:12 AM

Nice example Xas! Very active pattern on the blade. Would you say mid-20th C or a little later? Classic Sulu kalis for that period.

xasterix · 5th September 2020, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Nice example Xas! Very active pattern on the blade. Would you say mid-20th C or a little later? Classic Sulu kalis for that period.

Hullo Ian sorry am not versed at dating kalis- but thanks for that estimate! I'll clean this up further and give better pics in the future.

kai · 5th September 2020, 09:04 AM

Hello Xas,

Quote:

Hi Kai, sorry it's not yet fully restored, this was the last closeup I got. The background obscures the elephant face.

Yes, it is really tough to restore kalis without dismounting the blades; usually this can be achieved without too much hassle.

A pic with plain background would be great whenever you get a chance...

The age estimates seem reasonable - the hilt looks well above average from that period though. I'm not convinced that production of laminated blades stopped throughout the Sulu archipelago - like with the separate katik, I'd guess that traditional production continued in remote areas...

Regards,
Kai

xasterix · 8th September 2020, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Xas,

Yes, it is really tough to restore kalis without dismounting the blades; usually this can be achieved without too much hassle.

A pic with plain background would be great whenever you get a chance...

The age estimates seem reasonable - the hilt looks well above average from that period though. I'm not convinced that production of laminated blades stopped throughout the Sulu archipelago - like with the separate katik, I'd guess that traditional production continued in remote areas...

Regards,
Kai

Hullo Kai,

I'm not yet done restoring it, sorry this is what I can manage at the moment.

xasterix · 11th September 2020, 01:05 AM

Finally made some progress in restoration, got tired of waiting for fine brass brush, and just straightaway sharpened and etched.

Battara · 11th September 2020, 01:20 AM

Oh yes much nicer now.

11th September 2020, 01:05 AM	#6
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 693	Finally made some progress in restoration, got tired of waiting for fine brass brush, and just straightaway sharpened and etched. Attached Images

5th September 2020, 08:12 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,469	Nice example Xas! Very active pattern on the blade. Would you say mid-20th C or a little later? Classic Sulu kalis for that period.

11th September 2020, 01:20 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,320	Oh yes much nicer now.