Sulu / N. Borneo sword

kai · 2nd November 2021, 12:18 AM

Thanks, Wayne,

That's certainly a possibility. The damage along the rim looks more like expected wear to me though. Maybe Albert can confirm if the patina shows any major difference?

These are hints which may point at probabilities; rigorous scientific testing might. allow to exclude some possibilities (possibly at the cost of destructive testing and/or high expenses

).

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 2nd November 2021, 02:14 AM

The Yakan often use a horn ferrule on their weaponry, especially their barongs. I wonder if this could be an unclassified and very rare Yakan piece. Rare even for Moro peoples on Borneo.

kino · 3rd November 2021, 01:48 AM

Thanks guys.

I tend to agree with Sajen about the shape with the bunt tip being original.

Kai and Wayne, it certainly is a rough cut along the scabbards end. There isn’t much difference in the patina. Photo of the pommels face added.

CharlesS · 8th November 2021, 12:04 PM

What a lovely unique piece! I agree with the others, while it is tempting to want to call this a "clipped" barung, the curvature clearly makes that unrealistic. It's just a very unique piece! Congrats!

3rd November 2021, 01:48 AM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Thanks guys. I tend to agree with Sajen about the shape with the bunt tip being original. Kai and Wayne, it certainly is a rough cut along the scabbards end. There isn’t much difference in the patina. Photo of the pommels face added. Attached Images

2nd November 2021, 12:18 AM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Thanks, Wayne, That's certainly a possibility. The damage along the rim looks more like expected wear to me though. Maybe Albert can confirm if the patina shows any major difference? These are hints which may point at probabilities; rigorous scientific testing might. allow to exclude some possibilities (possibly at the cost of destructive testing and/or high expenses ). Regards, Kai

2nd November 2021, 02:14 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	The Yakan often use a horn ferrule on their weaponry, especially their barongs. I wonder if this could be an unclassified and very rare Yakan piece. Rare even for Moro peoples on Borneo.

8th November 2021, 12:04 PM	#4
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	What a lovely unique piece! I agree with the others, while it is tempting to want to call this a "clipped" barung, the curvature clearly makes that unrealistic. It's just a very unique piece! Congrats!