[Ian]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hi sir Ian, thanks for your interest on this matter! I am fortunate to have blade expert friends- some who were previous members in this forum years ago. Regarding the badung, I get my info from a friend who lives in Palawan and has formed close friendships with various stakeholders who have badungs- tribesmen, traditional smiths, and antique collectors.

I think these are important sources—thank you for sharing their information here.

The Facebook page known as "Filipino Traditional Blades" also provides a lot of info about badungs, among other traditional blades. These sources gave me a lot of material which, after thorough studying, made me realize that the blade profile, hilt, and rope scabbard are the major differences of the badung from the barung.

I am also into modern barungs, and it just happened that two trusted contacts- a Yakan weaver, and a former forum member- helped me to ascertain the Ukkil differences present in the scabbards.

Most interesting. Can you share some of the info your contacts passed on regarding the ukkil differences?

In your previous post, I agree that on the first three leaf-shaped blades you featured, the second one is indeed a badung, while the other two are most likely of Maranao origin, having seen such blades a-plenty in Malate, Manila as display pieces. The Cuyo piece is indeed a badung, as well as the one with MOP inserts. The most telling indicator of a badung, in my opinion, is the upturned tip.

The Cuyo piece is interesting as it comes from a different island group that is only administratively under Palawan. I'm told there is a substantial Visayan presence there nowadays.

Am interesting theory I got from the Palawan-based smith who forged my vinewrapped badung (he calls it 'Pangutaran badung', Pangutaran is an island in Tawi Tawi area) was that the upturned tip was reserved for the bravest warriors.

I've not heard that before.

Very interesting note you made there about the Sabah barungs. I shall consult this info with my friends as well, if you don't mind. We are all equally interested regarding the badung's origin- in fact, we acknowledge the possibility that it may be a seperate blade from the barung (and not merely an evolution of the latter).

Again, very interesting comments. From the few examples of badung on these pages, it seems that the blade is not as broad as most examples from the Sulu Archipelago, although some of the Maranao barung seem to be quite slim also. Jose (battara) has referred to these as sipput barung.

Ian.