Old Barong

[Maj-Biffy Snodgrass]

Any ideas please, have had this one for a while now, to me 19thc I would say but from what region ??, the spine is 1cm thick at the forte, mounts are in high grade silver, wood ???, and as tyou can see it has a very active laminate blade, I am not by any means up on Barongs having only had 4 in my time so any info would be gratefully received.:);). Snody

[Sajen]

Hi Snody,

When I am not completely wrong it's a Samal barong and could be very well from the second half of the 19th century. For Sama or Samal people have a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sama-Bajau
The wood they normally use for the handles is banati, can you provide a close up from the handle?

Regards,
Detlef

[Sajen]

Forgot to mention, a very nice example!:)

[Maj-Biffy Snodgrass]

Very interesting, I will post some pics of the hilt wood section a bit later, thanks again Detlef you are well of knowledge. :);). Snody