A type of keris associated to the Philippines, especially the Moro people from the Southern Philippines. While most of these keris have rounded hilts with a ‘ganja‘ attached to the blade as protection, this example has a rather unusual horn guard protecting the hand. The hilt is made of horn and is shaped like a pistol grip.

The hilt:
Made of water buffalo horn, shaped as a pistol hilt and riveted to the blade. The hilt has a brass ferrule which is tightly attached to the horn guard. The hilt was carved with long-stretched and wide horizontal grooves to maintain a vast grip.


The blade:
A good old ‘kalis‘ blade with distinctive curves and double fullers ending in a medial ridge. On the end of the fullers we notice an engraved floral figure which was worn due to its age. The blade shows a gentle pattern welding structure as is commonly seen on Moro blades.

Condition: Good, a little worn due to oxidation and other ware, further firm and sturdy. No scabbard

Dimensions:
Hilt: 12.5cm
Blade spine thickness: 4mm
Blade length: 43cm
Total length: 56.5cm

Provenance: A French private collection, collected in the 19th century.