The Kris is perhaps the most distinctive sword of Southeast Asia and the Philippines and was extensively used by the Moro warriors and pirates of the Maranao tribes of the Southern Philippines. The sinuously curved blade is said to represent the tail of stingray, a dragon, or the winding body of a snake. Regardless of its form, the Kris is a sword that can cut, hack and thrust. A wide base of the blade serves also as a guard, protecting the hand. The Kris blade seems to have first appeared in Indonesia in the 13th century, before appearing thereafter in the Philippines. These swords were held in great reverence and many were treated like talismatic objects with spirits and powers contained within.
The blade of this Philippine-crafted Kris sword is sharp and crafted of 5160/D2 high carbon steel tempered to HRC 58-60. Its grip ferrule is of brass and the grip is of carved wood. The scabbard is of two different types of carved wood, wrapped with bands of decorative rattan.
The Moro are the indigenous Muslim population of the Southern Philippines – they have had centuries of conflict with northern neighbors, Spanish and American colonialists. These Filipinos were converted to Islam by Muslim missionaries of the Persian Gulf and China. Though many of their warriors had an allegiance to their sultan, many were engaged in Sulu Sea piracy against the northern Philippine islands and especially the Spanish. A minority, they developed an extensive array of distinctive edged weapons. Even today, these are still considered symbols against occupation and are displayed proudly, often on a Weapons of Moroland plaque.
Please Note: Due to being crafted in a tropical environment with native woods, it is common for these weapons to develop thin, minor cracks in the wood and the scabbard as the woods adjust to our more temperate environment. Cracks in items sent to you will not be harmful to the structural integrity of the item. Also – The decorative rattan wrapping can be brittle and may crack or break.
It is recommended that a light coating of protective oil is used to protect the wood from dryness and cracking.
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