Kalis Sundang
Kalis Sundang
Maguindanao / Moro
Maguindanao, Sultanate of Maguindanao (Maguindanao, Philippines)
Late 19th - Early 20th century (ca. 1890 - 1920)
Steel, silver, ivory, fiber, brass
Blade: 46cm
Hilt & Blade: 54,3cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2025
Collection Number: 469
Ex. Washington, USA Private Collection (2025)
A very good kalis sundang from Maguindanao in the Philippines, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The wavy blade is double- edged, having 9 luk (waves). A medial ridge spans approximately 3/4 of the blade's length. Hardened edge with a slightly visible temper line. Single silver clamp (baka baka). The arrowhead design has a kinakoko or fingernail design at the interior. Hilt of elephant ivory with a beautiful orange hue coloration. Silver ferrules with okir design. The central silver band is flanked by bound fiber. Ending in a brass pommel cap. A very good kalis sundang with beautiful orange patina hilt. Very sharp blade. A similar example with this hilt form is attributed to Lake Lanao in Herbert Krieger's, "The Collection of Primitive Weapons and Armor of the Philippine Islands in the United States National Museum" (Smithsonian).
[1] Krieger, Herbert 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 137. Plate 14. #2. (Similar handle, attributed to Lake Lanao)
[2] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31267
[3] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/31268
[4] https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_As1952-08-29-a
[5] https://oriental-arms.com/product/a-early-sundang-moro-kris-sword/
[6] https://oriental-arms.com/product/a-massive-sundang-moro-kris-sword-2/