Kris for comment

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Thanks Gavin! The carving motif is indeed interesting, hoping to get to the bottom of it

I look at this and immediately think Sulu by the sheath profile overall... but I look at the carvings, and without any notable reference to compare to by design specifically, there is something in the manner of the carving that seems Samal to me... does anyone have good timber carving references for the Southern Sulu regions?

On the off chance that the Met holds a kris with carvings to the sheath, this might be worth a follow up.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collec...nce&pageSize=0

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

I look at this and immediately think Sulu by the sheath profile overall... but I look at the carvings, and without any notable reference to compare to by design specifically, there is something in the manner of the carving that seems Samal to me... does anyone have good timber carving references for the Southern Sulu regions?

On the off chance that the Met holds a kris with carvings to the sheath, this might be worth a follow up.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collec...nce&pageSize=0

Halloo Gavin, I've been told by an elder that the carved pattern on the scabbard is non-Moro. It doesn't fall under 'ukkil' or 'okir' either, which the Sama use. Thanks and great find on the Met item- I'll try to contact them, fingers crossed!

[kino]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

... does anyone have good timber carving references for the Southern Sulu regions?

Gavin, Have you seen this publication?

[Battara]

Xasterix, I will admit that I've seen this type of ukkil before, but I have not been able to attribute it to any Moro group yet. It is unusual though.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Battara

Xasterix, I will admit that I've seen this type of ukkil before, but I have not been able to attribute it to any Moro group yet. It is unusual though.

Your comment tugged at my memory...there was indeed a similarly-themed scabbard in the forum before. Finally located it:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ght=kris+sabre

Interesting that the shape of the scabbard is the same, and the carving motif very similar.

[Battara]

Yes that scabbard shape like this one seems indicative of Sulu work, and the ukkil of the other scabbard also seems Sulu.

Yours - a Sulu variant? Different tribe in the region?

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Battara

Yes that scabbard shape like this one seems indicative of Sulu work, and the ukkil of the other scabbard also seems Sulu.

Yours - a Sulu variant? Different tribe in the region?

I've been told by Sulu and Mindanao elders that the pattern is not ukkil nor okir. Non-Moro, simply put. It doesn't follow the conventions of Moro patterns.

[Battara]

I agree - not traditional Moro okir/ukkil

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kino

Gavin, Have you seen this publication?

I have not Kino. Is there good wood carving data within?