Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 200:
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. Finer barongs would be made of rare materials, such as this example, and could even come in various pommel forms. While most barongs take the form of the kakatua, and the jungayan (elongated) version reserved for especially high ranking Moros, there are examples with distinctly idiosyncraticform, such as this ball pommel barong. This example in the Schmiedt Collection is an exceptional quality barong, with a pommel of finely carved materials, with a silver ferrule and rattan binding. The blade shorter than the other Schmiedt Collection examples and stamped with a chop mark of Chinese, or pseudo-Chinese characters indicating the quality of the blade. The blade displays an interesting checker board pattern which indicates a wide twist core pattern. The two examples in the Schmiedt Collection with ball pommels are the only two known of this form of barong and display all of the elements of construction indicating they are original and early forms. The ball pommel is not unknown on other Moro swords and there are Moro kris with ball pommels. It is possible that the Datu that commissioned this example was enamored with the form. Truly a Museum-worthy example. Late 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 18 1/2" Blade Length : 12 3/4".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 of CulturalHistory3. Combes, F. (1667) Historia de Mindanao y Jo, por el p. Francisco Combs … Obrapublicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboracin del p. Pablo Pastells … sacanuevamente á 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 Philippineislands 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 Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum Journal. 367. Hurley, V. (1936). Swish of the Kris; The Story of the Moros. E.P. Hutton. 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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