Sword (Kalis or Sundang)
1850–1916
- Medium
- Metal blade with ivory pommel and cord-wound grip
- Dimensions
- Overall: 70.2 cm (27 5/8 in.); Blade: 56.9 cm (22 3/8 in.)
- Genre
- Arms and armor
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Philippines, Mindanao
About
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.