The peoples collectively known as Moro are Malay Muslims who peopled the Southern Philippines centuries ago. Over time, they have evolved their own version of the keris and other weapons. Moro weapons are typically distinguished by their larger size and strong, rectangular tang. While most keris are designed for thrusting, the more robust Moro keris was used to hack and slash. Also found on the north coast of Borneo, Riau and the East Coast of the Malay Peninsula, these swords are sometimes known as sundang. Like their smaller counterparts they may be waved or straight. In the Sulu Archipelago, there was another type of heavy cutting weapon that was a unique weapon of choice. Called barong, these typically have a single edged leaf-shaped blade. Both types of weapons have heavy pommels in the form of a stylised cockatoo.
