Why and What We Collect--A Tale of Two Barung

David · 21st August 2014, 08:23 PM

I also would pick the older barung ("A"), but keep in mind that this wasn't an either/or choice for the buyers of these weapons. They were not given a choice of one weapon OR the other. These auctions took place separately, one at a time. The reasons "B" sold for more could be many. Sometimes a bidding war gets crazy. Sometimes we take a shine to something and decide that we want it even if the price runs too high. That "B" sold for 55% more does not say that given the chose, more of those bidders wouldn't have chosen "A" over "B".

Ian · 21st August 2014, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I also would pick the older barung ("A"), but keep in mind that this wasn't an either/or choice for the buyers of these weapons. They were not given a choice of one weapon OR the other. These auctions took place separately, one at a time. The reasons "B" sold for more could be many. Sometimes a bidding war gets crazy. Sometimes we take a shine to something and decide that we want it even if the price runs too high. That "B" sold for 55% more does not say that given the chose, more of those bidders wouldn't have chosen "A" over "B".

Absolutely correct David. This was not an either/or decision for the two buyers and the fact that the newer one went for more is probably explained by many factors. However, as collectors we do have some experience of how much various items should sell for, and what we are willing to pay. To what extent price factors into our decisions is something we all have to grapple with to some degree--there are few collectors with unlimited budgets.

I'm more concerned, though, with learning what people value in their collecting pursuits. I had a friend whom I met on eBay years ago who was determined to have one of every edged weapon he could find, new and old, high end and low end. He wanted the whole spectrum--European, Asian, Islamic, Pacific, etc. I have not seen him on eBay for several years, so perhaps he ran out of money or his wife said enough. In any case, he seemed at one end of the spectrum of collectors.

Why and what we collect seems a very personal statement of who we each are. Perhaps the question is too personal for some people to respond here. But maybe there are some brave souls who will venture more of their thoughts.

Ian.

Battara · 22nd August 2014, 01:39 AM

You are right Ian when you day that some of us collect other things too.

My major focus in the past several years, however, have been on Filipino antique bladed weaponry.

I collect mainly for these reasons:

1. Heritage - I am half Filipino and my great-grandfather was a member of the Katipunan (he killed about 20 Spanish before he fled for his life). These weapons give me some link to my past and heritage.

2. History - these are pieces of history in our hands.

3. Works of art - since folks in the Philippines (and elsewhere) didn't create paintings, their medium was focused mostly on weaponry (ivory, gold, silver, etc). It's hard to hold a painting in my hand.

4. Warrior culture - weapons like these speak to the warrior spirit within me, symbols of the fight for what is important in life (besides I can defend myself and our home with these).

5. There is a spiritual aspect to these - whether they have talismans on them or the fact that there is a belief that a spirit of the weapon resides in the blade, death and struggle in life are spiritual issues at minimum. As a minister (one of very few who get into this stuff) I feel and sense this aspect in these pieces. Along with this, my martial arts are a part of my spirituality.

6. There is a beauty not just in the weapon itself but in the way it was used and wielded. The movement of the human body in fighting is a dance in itself. In fact several cultures, including those in the Philippines, have dances with weapons in hand as vital aspects of the movement.

I hope I wasn't boring anyone, but Ian you asked.........

21st August 2014, 08:23 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	I also would pick the older barung ("A"), but keep in mind that this wasn't an either/or choice for the buyers of these weapons. They were not given a choice of one weapon OR the other. These auctions took place separately, one at a time. The reasons "B" sold for more could be many. Sometimes a bidding war gets crazy. Sometimes we take a shine to something and decide that we want it even if the price runs too high. That "B" sold for 55% more does not say that given the chose, more of those bidders wouldn't have chosen "A" over "B".

22nd August 2014, 01:39 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	You are right Ian when you day that some of us collect other things too. My major focus in the past several years, however, have been on Filipino antique bladed weaponry. I collect mainly for these reasons: 1. Heritage - I am half Filipino and my great-grandfather was a member of the Katipunan (he killed about 20 Spanish before he fled for his life). These weapons give me some link to my past and heritage. 2. History - these are pieces of history in our hands. 3. Works of art - since folks in the Philippines (and elsewhere) didn't create paintings, their medium was focused mostly on weaponry (ivory, gold, silver, etc). It's hard to hold a painting in my hand. 4. Warrior culture - weapons like these speak to the warrior spirit within me, symbols of the fight for what is important in life (besides I can defend myself and our home with these). 5. There is a spiritual aspect to these - whether they have talismans on them or the fact that there is a belief that a spirit of the weapon resides in the blade, death and struggle in life are spiritual issues at minimum. As a minister (one of very few who get into this stuff) I feel and sense this aspect in these pieces. Along with this, my martial arts are a part of my spirituality. 6. There is a beauty not just in the weapon itself but in the way it was used and wielded. The movement of the human body in fighting is a dance in itself. In fact several cultures, including those in the Philippines, have dances with weapons in hand as vital aspects of the movement. I hope I wasn't boring anyone, but Ian you asked.........