A vintage shandigan keping

Ian · 14th December 2025, 10:44 PM

Just to clarify the term shandigan. A shandigan blade has a swollen edge and usually a slightly hollow ground area above it. It is not a chisel edge in that the swelling occurs symmetrically on both sides and the is a variant of the V-grind seen on regular barung blades.

The item shown in the original post is a keping with a chisel ground blade. The dress is interesting. Although the shape of the wooden scabbard is consistent with a 20th C Tausug barung (central ridge, upraised toe, asymmetric mouth of the scabbard, etc.) the lime-filled decorations are atypical. the decoration at the throat does have a triangular element, but it is not in the usual place for a Tausug example. The carvings are just not right for traditional Tausug work. Similarly, the down-turned hilt with carved end is not a Tausug feature.

Given the chisel ground blade and the atypical dress, I think this may be an odd Zamboanga piece where Visayan influence is fairly strong. Palawano is another possibility. Xasterix may be able to place it better.

14th December 2025, 10:44 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,650	Just to clarify the term shandigan. A shandigan blade has a swollen edge and usually a slightly hollow ground area above it. It is not a chisel edge in that the swelling occurs symmetrically on both sides and the is a variant of the V-grind seen on regular barung blades. The item shown in the original post is a keping with a chisel ground blade. The dress is interesting. Although the shape of the wooden scabbard is consistent with a 20th C Tausug barung (central ridge, upraised toe, asymmetric mouth of the scabbard, etc.) the lime-filled decorations are atypical. the decoration at the throat does have a triangular element, but it is not in the usual place for a Tausug example. The carvings are just not right for traditional Tausug work. Similarly, the down-turned hilt with carved end is not a Tausug feature. Given the chisel ground blade and the atypical dress, I think this may be an odd Zamboanga piece where Visayan influence is fairly strong. Palawano is another possibility. Xasterix may be able to place it better.