Title
Keris Sundang
Year/Period
Mid 20th century
Region
Sulu, Southern Philippines
Object Type
swords, sheaths (cases)
Material
wood (plant material), ivory (material), silver (metal), mother of pearl
Technique
woodworking, inlay (process), silversmithing
Accession No.
1996-02198
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of the family of the late Mr. Boris V. Theseira
NLB Type
Cultural artefact
Keris sundang from the Philippines is heavier and bigger than keris from Indonesia. In this example, the breadth of the blade remains unchanged from the hilt to the tip. The hilt is made of ivory with silver wire fittings. Unlike most keris which were designed for thrusting, the keris sundang was designed to hack and slash. In the Sulu Archipelago, the keris was a symbol of status. Brave warriors wore expensive keris and chiefs wore keris with gold hilts.
