View Single Post
Old 4th September 2021, 10:44 PM   #145
Ian
Vikingsword Staff
 
Ian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,007
Default

Gunar,

Rick has pointed to the historical connection between the US and the Philippines. The US had a lot of trouble with the Moros in the southern parts of the country after "inheriting" ownership of the islands in 1899. Not just the Moros, but with unhappy residents throughout the islands. However, the Moros were the most troublesome and conflicts continued for another 15 years or so. There was a respect for the Moros and their weapons. The barung was perhaps the most feared weapon as it was more easily concealed than the kris, and often used by juramentados for magsabil or "honor attacks" against the enemy.

Many Moro and other Philippine weapons have found their way to the US, often brought back by US servicemen who continued to be stationed in the Philippines after Philippine independence following WWII. The eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991 damaged Clark AFB and the neighboring Subic Bay Naval Base, and finally led to US military withdrawal from the islands.

Much like the Dutch experience in Indonesia, there remains an interest in things Filipino in the US, and of course we have a sizeable Filipino community living here.

As Rick noted too, the barung is of interest to collectors for its functional aspects. When wielding it, it is easy to feel the power that a blow from one of these blades would unleash, while some simple cutting tests reveal it to be an awesome weapon.
Ian is offline   Reply With Quote