Artwork Page for Sword (Kalis or Sundang) and scabbard

Details / Information for Sword (Kalis or Sundang) and scabbard

Sword (Kalis or Sundang) and scabbard

before 1916

Philippines, Mindanao

View all records in artwork set
Medium
Blade: metal with brass inlay; grip: cord; pommel: silver
Measurements
Overall: 71.3 x 11.1 x 3.2 cm (28 1/16 x 4 3/8 x 1 1/4 in.); Scabbard: 56.1 x 5.1 x 1.8 cm (22 1/16 x 2 x 11/16 in.)
Weight: 0.72 kg
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.751
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Silver pommels are uncommon in Philippine swords, as silver had to be sourced from abroad (typically China).

Description

This sword has a straight kalis blade with squared shoulders, a long central fuller, and an engraved chevron-and-scroll pattern above the guard. The wing guards at the base of the blade are held in place by two asang-asang (fish gill) clamps. The hilt terminates with a silver cockatoo (kakatua)-shaped pommel. Silver pommels of this type are associated with elite datu owners.
A rectangular dark brown sword sheath is displayed alongside a kris, a sword with an asymmetrical, triangular base extending into a straight, silver metal blade with a rounded tip. The blade's triangular base has jagged edges on the left side. A dark-brown, wrapped cylindrical handle fastens to the blade, topped by a tarnished, dark-brown claw-like arch. Two pieces of dark-bronze metal flank the handle and fasten around the blade's base. A "W"-shaped pattern extends down the blade.

Sword (Kalis or Sundang) and scabbard

before 1916

Philippines, Mindanao

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork