Large Silver Inlay Gunong

[Battara]

Greetings folks!

I thought I'd share this new gunong I got. It is a lot larger than I thought with silver mounts and burled narra wood pommel. What is also surprising is that the middle of the scabbard is made of wood and black carabao horn inserts, held in place with copper pins.

Here is also the nice part: the silver inlay is complete and done in okir.

I would place this piece in the 1930s and perhaps Maguindanao.

Enjoy.

[Battara]

Here are 2 more pictures:

[Robert]

WOW :eek: Saying that this is nice would be a complete understatement. The size is amazing with it being what looks to be 13 inches in overall length. I have seen these longer but never with this style of blade or this quality of workmanship. Can you tell me what the inlay on the blade is supposed to represent? A beautiful gunong that I am very happy to see you be able to add to your most wonderful collection. Congratulations.

Best,
Robert

[Battara]

Thank you Robert. When I got it, it was in somewhat rough shape.

What the inlay symbolizes? Not sure - perhaps a centipede?

[Robert]

Hello Jose, I thought that it might be a centipede at first as well, but then I thought that they might include legs on it if it were. Perhaps it is some kind of aquatic beastie??? :D :shrug:

[Battara]

I also thought of a crocodile, but usually the long tail is a major component.

Will have to do more research to see what other critters this could be.

[Sajen]

What a beautiful piece by your pictures and a little bit maintenance now, much better like by the ebay pictures. I was stupid that I don't have given a higher offer before. But it is in good hands now so my sadness is of little account. :D

Regards,
Detlef

[Ferguson]

Congratulations my friend. It's a lovely piece!
Steve

[Battara]

That says a lot coming from you. Thank you Tito Gunong!

[kronckew]

i really like this style of gunong. yours is a very fine example.

mine is newish and considerably down market.

[Battara]

Thank you Kronckew. I usually look for something different, but the inlay caught my eye though.

[Battara]

Here are a couple of pictures of the Philippines giant centipede and the silver inlay on the blade of my gunong for comparison. I am now more convinced that the inlay is of a stylized Maranao okir centipede.