Scarce Pira Sword of the Moro, Philippines

Pira swords are rare swords of the Moro, largely common between the Yakan Moro people from Basilan Island. They are characterized by un common blade shape: Up curving single edged, very narrow and thick at the base and gradually widen toward the clipped tip.  Very typical is the horn handle with a very long upcurving pommel extension.

The Pira sword offered here is a classical example. Heavy blade forged from laminated steel and long handle with long extension of the pommel. The handle is made of the Carabao (Domestic type of the Water Buffalo) black horn and mounted with a silver ferrule.

Blade length 16 inches (41 cm). Handle length 9 inches (23 cm). Good condition. Small areas of shallow pitting. Rare authentic sword. Second half of the 19 C.

For more information on the Pira sword see: Robert Cato: “Moro Swords” pages 90-92