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Kalis Seko Kris
Tausug, Mindanao, Philippines, early 20th century CE
This kalis seko kris (curved sword) is a traditional double-edged wavy blade of the Tausug people, similar to the Indonesian kris. Its pommel is made of imported elephant tusk while the hilt is wrapped in wire to secure the wielder’s grip. The guard of the blade resembles an eagle. The sheath is wrapped in a cloth with a Tausug floral pattern found on textiles. Multiple Mindanao cultural groups also wrap their scabbards in cloth to symbolise the union of male and female, as blades are regarded as masculine and textiles as feminine. The sheath is also decorated with geometric patterns in metal.
It was probably a ceremonial sword for personal use, meant to endow the user with spiritual power, but was not used as a primary weapon in battle. While most kris reflect Javanese designs, this kalis seko is influenced by Bugis culture, showing the relationship between the seafaring Tausug people of the Sulu Archipelago and the Bugis of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Catalogue Number: E-76-264
Material: Ivory, copper, silver, aluminium, carabao horn with silver inlay, textile, rattan strip, and iron
Dimensions: 16 x 68 cm total length