First Barong

[scratch]

G'day everyone :)
Thank you to those who responded to my previous posts.
To me the end of this, earlier style? scabbard looks like a scorpion stinger, possible perhaps? as their are species in bourneo. eg: Heterometus spinifer, Asian forest scorpion. The wood of handle is nice I think. Blade is laminated?
Blade length: 16 3/16 in
Handle: 7 in , shame about the crest broken off :(
Any ideas regarding origin and age appeciated, Thank you.

Kind regards,

Daniel

[kai]

Hello Daniel,

Nice score!

Definitely laminated blade (etch it!); I'd guess at late 19th century status piece.

Regards,
Kai

[Battara]

I agree with Kai in that it is probably laminated and belonged to a person of status. I think however it is not a status piece so much as a work or everyday piece that belonged to a person of status.

[scratch]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for interest and identification of piece :)
By person of status, does this mean a datu or a minor official? I am unaware of the Tribal/Political heirarchies that existed in this time period. Would anyone be willing to share a brief summary?
Is this a Moro barong?
Is the Banati wood? handle made of the root burl? Any significance of size of handle?
I have read that some Bourneo tribes tattooed a stylized scorpion on themselves to indicate that a head had been taken, I cant verify the accuracy of this and it sounds a bit fanciful although possible I guess :shrug: more research required.
Any thoughts on if scorpions were used in an artistic sense in this region?
Sorry for all the questions but I am much taken with this piece :)

Thanks for your time,

Daniel

[Battara]

To answer some of your questions:

1. status - datu perhaps or a little lower rank if it is a work/everyday wear with the tail missing.

2. banati wood is burled/root wood

3. it is Moro, though does not look borneo to me and thus I doubt the scorpion is useful in this context.

4. need to see other side of scabbard to tell you more.

[scratch]

G,day,
Battara, Thank you for your help. It is appreciated :)
I have included photos of other side of scabbard.

Cheers,

Dan

[Gavin Nugent]

Hi Dan,

A very attractive piece in very good honest condition. Have you been able to learn any more answers to your questions? Is there anyone else here who can offer further input to this thread. Bill, I know you have some totally outstanding Moro items in the Lion's den, anything you could offer up here that you may have come across in your studies?
I am keen to learn more about weapons of our neighbours that can often be found on our shores.

regards

Gav

[Battara]

I am thinking that this was either a datu working piece or a mid-range warrior's piece. I lean more toward the datu because of the detail that was once there suggesting an okir detailed top tail that is now gone. I would also say Sulu, not Samal or Yakan. Perhaps late 19c or early 20c.

[Gavin Nugent]

Thank you Dan for letting me view your wonderful collection, it has been great to touch base with a fellow collector in person and one who lives in the same town. Gentlemen of this forum there are some real gems amongst this collection and some of the photos presented do not do justice to these pieces.
With regards to this particular weapon, I like it a lot.
Thank you Battara for further points of reference you knowledge and interest in commenting on it is invaluable.
One thing that I can say with conviction upon handling this wepaon is that the base of the scabbard is a scorpion's tail. Does this change the region of origin?
I whole heartedly aggree with this belonging to a person of status, a gorgeous burl handle with silver fittings and a perfect large laminated blade with a lot going on within it, very nice!
When time permits Dan you are most welcome to view my collection anytime.

regards

Gav

[scratch]

Battara, Thank you for coming back and sharing your knowledge :) I have a silly question, Is Sulu located in southern Philippines?
Gav, It was my pleasure to share my small but growing collection with a more experienced collecter as yourself!:) The informed communication is much appreciated. I'm glad you liked some of my pieces. I look forward to viewing your collection very much :cool:

[Battara]

I have a silly question, Is Sulu located in southern Philippines?
Yes it is, in fact, another name for Sulu is Jolo, but Sulu is the generic name for the island and for the tribe that lives there. Here is a picture - Sulu is in red and at the bottom of the map.