Rare Collection of Antique Asian Arms Part II
Lot 146:
Extremely Rare Antique Philippine Moro BARONG Sword ~ Unbelievable Damascus Blade Pattern. This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sultanatearea called a barong. These swords have a distinctive form that is specific to this region of SouthEast Asia and the southern Philippines, though it is believed that they are related to theIndonesian badik knife, though in a greatly expanded and enlarged form.The barong has a distinct leaf shaped blade which is an effective cutting and slicing form, andmay be used for stabbing depending on the profile the smith develops. Barong blades are oftenthick and heavy with the weight aiding in the slicing capability of this sword. Some of the rarerexamples have blades made of twistcore iron. Some Moro swords including the kris swords, kampilans, and barong are found with twistcore blades such as this example. Moro twistcorewas formed in a manner very similar to Chinese twistcore blades, and it possible that the Moroand Indonesian twistcore construction influenced Chinese and Tibetan twistcore workmanship(Tom 2001). The use of this technique among the Moros of the southern Philippines indicatesthat the technique was exported northward from Indonesia, likely with the spread of Islam. Therows of star-shaped elements, feathery or flamelike bands, and "barber-pole" structures seen onMoro and Chinese twist-core forging are remarkably similar. Traders, pirates, and emigres fromsouthern China had extensive contact with Southeast Asian peoples. Chinese smiths are knownto have made barong blades of lamellar qiangang structure for export to the Philippines, whilethe type of twistcore found on this sword may have influenced twistcore construction in Chinaitself. The twistcore pattern of the blade was formed by laying together multiple bars of steel, twisting them in a specific manner and then hammering them out flat. Multiple such twisted barscould be welded together forming multiple twisted layers side by side.This example in the Schmiedt Collection has a fine blade of twistcore construction, showing themulti-bar tiger stripe pattern indicative of twistcore workmanship. The handle is original, mounted with rattan, and with some loss to the pommel.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 23 1/4" Blade Length : 17"References:1. Cato, R. (1996) Moro swords. Graham Brash: Singapore2. Casal, G. et al, (1981) The People and Art of the Philippines, UCLA Museum ofCultural History3. Combes, F. (1667) Historia de Mindanao , por el p. Francisco Combs … Obrapublicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboracin del p. Pablo Pastells …saca nuevamente ¡ luz W. E. Retana. Madrid: [Viuda de M. Minuesa de los Rios]4. Krieger, H. W. (1926). The collection of primitive weapons and armor of thePhilippine islands in the United States National museum. Washington: Govt. Print.Off..5. Macao Museum of Art. (2007). History of Steel in East Asia. Macao Museum of Art.Macau6. Tom, P. (2001) Notable sabers of the Qing Dynasty at the Metropolitan Museum ofArt. The Metropolitan Museum Journal. 36Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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