Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 199:
This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sultanate area called a barong. These swords have a distinctive form that is specific to this region of South East Asia and the southern Philippines, though it is believed that they are related to the Indonesian 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, and may be used for stabbing depending on the profile the smith develops. Barong blades are often thick and heavy with the weight aiding in the slicing capability of this sword. Older blades can range from small lengths of 8 upwards to 22which is uncommon. In some cases barong blades are also patterned in lamellar patterns and in rarer examples with twist core iron. Some blades were also known to either have been traded from China, and are marked with a series of Chinese characters, or were marked by Moro smiths as a mark of quality with pseudo-marks which are unintelligible.The handles are simple in design except in the pommel which in some examples has a distinctive interpretation of a cockatua showing a vestigial appropriation of the form. Often handles would be made from finely patterned wood representing the social class of the owner. Especially fine Datus examples would be made of rare materials such as this example, such as this example in the Schmiedt Collection.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is of very fine quality workmanship and likely a Datus barong and displays a form of the jungayyan cockatoo with a finely chiseled and carved form. The grip with additional chiseled silver fittings connecting the pommel and grip, and with a tarnished brass ferrule. The blade of classic barong profile, with a thick spine and displaying delicate okir engraving, a highly uncommon feature on a barong which normally do not have any blade decoration.Late 19th – very early 20th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : Blade Length : .Shipping is available ONLY within USA, except CA and NJ. No international shipping.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 y JolA, por el p. Francisco Comb Obrapublicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboración 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 the Philippine 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. Macau. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at [email protected]
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