Warrior's Barung
 

would like to share this talismanic barung ... there's something about moro blades with symbols engraved that somehow interests me. not just the artform, but the mystery behind them. this particular barung is no exception.
on this blade, one thing i found unique is how the symbols are relatively similar on both sides, i mean, almost mirror image. also, some of the symbols are quite unusual; a multiple headed naga and the double headed avian creature, for instance.
the handle looks as if it's been thru a lot! i'm sure the history of this particular barung is very interesting, to say the least.
another unusual aspect is the munsala hanging on the handle. relatively common on kris, and to some extent, kampilans, this is the first time i've seen it on a barung. i'm really surprise it stayed on, considering it's literally hanging on a thread. the material that looks like a bullet slug is unknown. it looks like lead, but it's light. could be a piece of wood, i'm not sure.
lastly, the handle is filled with lead, making it h-e-a-v-y! pretty cool tho, i like it. enjoy!

Spunjer: A really interesting barong. It definitely has all the things that make for a 100 percent desirable moro piece. I traded a barong to Kino a few years ago that had a copper or brass inlaid centipede, can't remember which. The munsala is a first for me also. Never have seen one on a barong. What looks like a bullet or something is probably an anting-anting..........Dave.

What an outstanding and interesting barung, wish this piece can tell us his history! :D And like by others where the handle has damage add the damage here a extra flair. I doubt (sadly) that someone will be able to explain all the talismanic inlays. Congrats for owning such a great piece.

Regards,
Detlef

i wish Kino would post that barung (hint, hint ;) )there's not too much of these inlayed barung posted here. i'm with you on this, Dave, in that the munsala is some type of anting-anting. it still amazes me though in how the handle would lose the tips on both ends and yet the deco stayed on.
yes Detlef, lots of flair on the handle! i haven't really inquired regarding the translation of the jawi writing. i suspect it's a Quran passage.

CONGRADULATIONS ON A UNIQUE AND VERY INTERESTING BARONG. :)
THIS STRIKES ME AS SOMETHING A SHAMAN OR THE MORO EQUIVALENT OF IT,WOULD USE FOR HIS CEREMONIES AND RITUALS. IT APPEARS TO HAVE SEEN A LOT OF USE IN ITS CURRENT FORM BUT NOT USE IN BATTLE. SO IF IT WAS USED IN CEREMONIES THE SHAMAN APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN SUCESSFUL AND POPULAR.
I SUSPECT THERE WERE SHAMAN WORKING ALL OVER THE PHILIPPINES BUT HAVE NOT READ ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO JUST CONSIDER THIS CONJECTURE UNTIL SOME GOOD REFRENCES ARE FOUND. :shrug:

Spunjer,

This is certainly one of the most unique Moro blades ever posted here.

Thanks for posting.

Fantastic!

I have never seen anything resembling before.
I just love those warrior blades when they put everything on it that could perhaps help them survive in mortal combat.

Michael

Damn homie, looks like that Barung has been through plenty battles. Pair that Barung with an agimat shirt, guarantee you'll be coming home after each skirmish for sure.

Seriously, that is a real beauty. Judging by the amount of work put into it, it was probably owned by a Datu that used it to go into battles with.
Until now I've never seen a munsala on a Barung. There might be a Barung with a munsala on the Moro Weapons postcard. The Barung on the right hand side looks like it has one trailing from the hilt, going down across the top part of the blade.

Congrats on a very fine addition to your armory.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=Centipede

Albert: Darn!!!!!!. I kinda wish i kept that barong now. It looks better than i ever remember it.............Dave.

What a great piece! When I grow up, I want one like this.........

I'm hoping that I grow up soon so maybe I can have a barong like this too !!!:D
A stunning piece indeed. This is yet another example of where I wish that these could tell their story and the history that they have seen and been part of. My congratulations for your great luck in being the new caretaker of this wonderful piece.

Best,
Robert

thanks all!
barry, i wouldn't think a shaman would have owned this. as kino mentioned, this particular piece was most likely owned by a warrior raising his odds out on the field.
i'm still perplexed about those broken tips tho... my assumption is, these were done deliberately; on this and on most of what we see out there.
thanks for posting the link, kino! btw, would you happen to have that postcard? i think i know which one you're talking about. when i get home from work, i'll search my database to see if i got a copy of it.

Here is an image of the postcard.