Gunong
Gunong
Moro
Mindanao, South Philippines
Early 20th century (ca. 1900 - 1930)
Steel, silver, suassa, ivory, wood
Blade: 8 5/8" (21.9cm)
Hilt & Blade: 12 5/8" (32.1cm)
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: 12 3/4" (32.4cm)
Collection Date: 2022
Collection Number: 290
Ex. Rick Stroud (RSWORD): Raleigh, North Carolina (2022)
A fine presentation gunong knife from the Moro People of the Southern Philippines. The straight double- edged blade of high carbon steel having a mottled patina. The blade is broadened toward the hilt and slightly curves upwards to the point, having a medial ridge throughout. Silver plated cross guard decorated with swirling okir engravings.
The central grip of two fine silver granulated filigree bands adjacent to two smoothed bands of suassa (alloy of gold and copper) while a large granulated silver knopf is present in the center. The pommel of an ivory hippopotamus tusk in pistol grip form, having a fine yellowed patina and grain. The hilt is slightly loose.
The sheath with a wooden interior, covered entirely in German silver sheet. The locket and chape are extensively hand hammered in okir relief motifs. On the rear, an engraved silver belt clip is attached.
An elegant example, most likely a Datu's (chief's) presentation dagger from around 1920 to 1930.
Photograph 19: A Moro Datu with his wife, Ealry 1900s.
[2] http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=5139