A new barong
 

Greetings!

I just got this piece. I was wondering if anyone can tell me more about its age and style? Also what are the black marks possibly?

Thanks,

Apolaki

Hello Apolaki, This is a very interesting piece that you have acquired. The ingenious use of an old hose fitting as a ferrule is most inventive and a great example of the old saying "Waste not want not" being put to practice. As for age I would place this piece as being made sometime in the second quarter (1925/1950) and possibly even the early part of the third quarter (1950/1960's) of the 20th century. This is just my general opinion on this and I am sure that others will be able to narrow down the timeline a bit better for you as to when it was actually made. As for your last question, I am not sure what black marks you are referring to? :confused:

Best,
Robert

Hi Apolaki:

Like Robert has said, I would place this one as mid-20th C., probably post WWII. The scabbard has the characteristics of a Yakan barung scabbard most likely sold in Zamboanga. The hilt has been replaced by someone from outside the Moro culture and, as Robert noted, has a garden hose fitting for the ferrule.

I think the hilt was likely redone by a Westerner, and that this knife was likely brought back by a U.S. serviceman in the 1950s. I have seen similar barung in the past with westernized "modifications" that could be traced to GI bringbacks.

If by "black marks" you mean the spots on the blade, these are old oxidation of the iron.

Ian.