Unusual Moro Barong Sword

[CharlesS]

This Moro barong needed some cleaning and restoration, but now I am ready to show it to the forum and discuss its unique features.

At first glance it looks to be a typical Moro barong, certainly so by size and shape.

There are, however, three noticeably unique features about it.

Notice how the top("wrangka" for lack of a better term) of the scabbard is distinctly canted forward. Most carved tops sit at about a horizontal level to the lower part of the scabbard, but in this case it is canted decidedly forward, yet, the barong's ferrule sits at a perfectly horizontal manner with the rest of the scabbard. This took some carving know-how!

Also of interest is the intricate detail of the 'wrangka', and its motifs I am not familiar with as Moro. Are these circular motifs flower buds?...or, perhaps they are larger extensions of the scroll work at the top of the scabbard?...Has anyone seen any similar motifs before? We have all seen circles and formations of circles as talismanic motifs on Moro blades. I am wondering if this may be some form of extension of that.

The most eye-catching aspect of the barong is its gold or gold plated ferrule, heavily worked in floral motifs. This is quite different from the more common, plain silver, gold, or gold plated ferrules typically seen.

The blade is pattern welded, smaller than typical, but otherwise not unique.

Does anyone have any ideas about the specific tribe or region this piece may have originated from in Moroland? I am guessing perhaps Tausug or Samal, but would love others' input.