CC0 · no rights reserved
Sword (Kalis or Sundang)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineSword (Kalis or Sundang), before 1916. Philippines, Mindanao. 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.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade, 1916.715
