The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 23, 2025

Kris, a sword with an asymmetrical, triangular base extending down into a wavy silver metal blade with a rounded point. A black, cylindrical hilt fastens to the blade, topped by a a light-yellow-brown piece that extends out in a diagonal flattened "S" shape. Two pieces of dark-bronze medal flank the hilt and fasten around the base of the blade. Spiral, "M"-shaped, and other organic patterns extend down the blade.

Sword (Kalis or Sundang)

before 1916

Philippines

Metal blade with ivory pommel and cord-wound grip
Overall: 70.2 cm (27 5/8 in.); Blade: 56.9 cm (22 3/8 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.715
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The part wavy, part straight blade form is known as a kalis taluseko.

Description

This sword’s blade is straight near the tip and transitions into gentle undulations toward the lower half. Fine inlaid geometric and floral motifs run along the central ridge. The ivory pommel takes the form of a cockatoo (kakatua), a high-status motif in southern Philippine weaponry. The curving blade form, intricate inlay, and ivory pommel make this a prestige weapon.
  • ?–1916
    Mr. Jeptha Homer Wade II [1857–1926], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1916–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Sword (Kalis or Sundang)|url=false|author=|year=before 1916|access-date=23 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.715