Artwork Page for Sword (Kalis or Sundang)

Details / Information for Sword (Kalis or Sundang)

Sword (Kalis or Sundang)

1800s

Philippines

Medium
Measurements
Overall: 69.9 cm (27 1/2 in.); Blade: 54.3 cm (21 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1918.654
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Blades with an odd number of undulations were preferred; this example has nine.

Description

The blade of this kalis displays undulations across its entire length, as well as flared shoulders and a pierced wing-type guard carved with okir-style serrations. A single asang-asang (“fish gill”) clamp secures the guard. The kamagong pommel takes the form of a cockatoo (kakatua). The shape and material indicate a functional but less prestigious object compared with ivory and silver examples made for the Tausug or Maranao people.
Kris, a sword with an asymmetrical, triangular base extending down into a wavy silver metal blade. A dark-brown, wrapped cylindrical hilt fastens to the blade, topped by a vaguely claw-shaped, dark-brown piece that arcs diagonally down. The triangular base of the blade is flat on the base but has organic, curving serration on the other sizes before smoothing into the wavy blade, all covered in tarnished black spots.

Sword (Kalis or Sundang)

1800s

Philippines

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