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View Full Version : Got me a large barong


Emanuel
13th April 2008, 04:07 AM
I've wanted a barong for some time, so I fished this big one from the bay. 20" blade, 2 3/4" belly.
It's got some damage: cracked hilt with a chipped cockatoo and slightly broken scabbard tip. The ferrule is missing. I figure it's not too bad for $80. I can manage some of the repairs; the ferrule is a tad problematic.
I would like to know more about it. The seller claims it was brought back in WWII. I do not have Cato's book, so all I can do is look at past examples on this forum, and on Federico's site, and gather this is early 20th century Tausug work. I can't really tell if the scabbard tip was originally upswept or not.

Enlightenment would be most appreciated.
Emanuel

Battara
16th April 2008, 07:06 PM
I would say that that first this is not Tausug but more Samal according to the style of the pommel and the carving on the top of the scabbard, although from WWII on Tausug seemed to adopt this type of pommel (but not the scabbard carving style).

Secondly, I would say that there may have been a slight upswept bottom part, but small and not at a great angle.

Here is an example of what I am talking about from a Samal fossil molar barong I have and the scabbard I made based on the tribal artwork on the toe.

Emanuel
17th April 2008, 01:19 AM
Thanks! I had followed the old thread on differences between the two styles, but still couln't pick them up. There's one particular mention about the kokatua beak having a rectangular enlargement at the tip, which fits my example well. Thanks for posting your example. I will model my scabbard tip after it.
Do you agree with early-20th century?

Maurice
17th April 2008, 09:21 AM
Another example?

Battara
18th April 2008, 08:13 PM
Yes I would say circa 20c.....