Got me a large barong

Emanuel · 13th April 2008, 04:07 AM

I've wanted a barong for some time, so I fished this big one from the bay. 20" blade, 2 3/4" belly.
It's got some damage: cracked hilt with a chipped cockatoo and slightly broken scabbard tip. The ferrule is missing. I figure it's not too bad for $80. I can manage some of the repairs; the ferrule is a tad problematic.
I would like to know more about it. The seller claims it was brought back in WWII. I do not have Cato's book, so all I can do is look at past examples on this forum, and on Federico's site, and gather this is early 20th century Tausug work. I can't really tell if the scabbard tip was originally upswept or not.

Enlightenment would be most appreciated.
Emanuel

Battara · 16th April 2008, 07:06 PM

I would say that that first this is not Tausug but more Samal according to the style of the pommel and the carving on the top of the scabbard, although from WWII on Tausug seemed to adopt this type of pommel (but not the scabbard carving style).

Secondly, I would say that there may have been a slight upswept bottom part, but small and not at a great angle.

Here is an example of what I am talking about from a Samal fossil molar barong I have and the scabbard I made based on the tribal artwork on the toe.

Emanuel · 17th April 2008, 01:19 AM

Thanks! I had followed the old thread on differences between the two styles, but still couln't pick them up. There's one particular mention about the kokatua beak having a rectangular enlargement at the tip, which fits my example well. Thanks for posting your example. I will model my scabbard tip after it.
Do you agree with early-20th century?

Maurice · 17th April 2008, 09:21 AM

Another example?

Battara · 18th April 2008, 08:13 PM

Yes I would say circa 20c.....

13th April 2008, 04:07 AM	#1
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Got me a large barong I've wanted a barong for some time, so I fished this big one from the bay. 20" blade, 2 3/4" belly. It's got some damage: cracked hilt with a chipped cockatoo and slightly broken scabbard tip. The ferrule is missing. I figure it's not too bad for $80. I can manage some of the repairs; the ferrule is a tad problematic. I would like to know more about it. The seller claims it was brought back in WWII. I do not have Cato's book, so all I can do is look at past examples on this forum, and on Federico's site, and gather this is early 20th century Tausug work. I can't really tell if the scabbard tip was originally upswept or not. Enlightenment would be most appreciated. Emanuel Attached Images Last edited by Manolo; 13th April 2008 at 06:05 AM.

16th April 2008, 07:06 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	I would say that that first this is not Tausug but more Samal according to the style of the pommel and the carving on the top of the scabbard, although from WWII on Tausug seemed to adopt this type of pommel (but not the scabbard carving style). Secondly, I would say that there may have been a slight upswept bottom part, but small and not at a great angle. Here is an example of what I am talking about from a Samal fossil molar barong I have and the scabbard I made based on the tribal artwork on the toe. Attached Images

17th April 2008, 09:21 AM	#4
Maurice Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,324	Another example? Attached Images Last edited by Maurice; 17th April 2008 at 09:43 AM.

17th April 2008, 01:19 AM	#3
Emanuel Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,242	Thanks! I had followed the old thread on differences between the two styles, but still couln't pick them up. There's one particular mention about the kokatua beak having a rectangular enlargement at the tip, which fits my example well. Thanks for posting your example. I will model my scabbard tip after it. Do you agree with early-20th century?

18th April 2008, 08:13 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Yes I would say circa 20c.....