First Barong

[scratch]

Gentlemen,
Thank you for interest and identification of piece
By person of status, does this mean a datu or a minor official? I am unaware of the Tribal/Political heirarchies that existed in this time period. Would anyone be willing to share a brief summary?
Is this a Moro barong?
Is the Banati wood? handle made of the root burl? Any significance of size of handle?
I have read that some Bourneo tribes tattooed a stylized scorpion on themselves to indicate that a head had been taken, I cant verify the accuracy of this and it sounds a bit fanciful although possible I guess more research required.
Any thoughts on if scorpions were used in an artistic sense in this region?
Sorry for all the questions but I am much taken with this piece

Thanks for your time,

Daniel