Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 63:
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 adistinct leaf shaped blade which is an effective cutting and slicing form, and may be used forstabbing depending on the profile the smith develops. Barong blades are often thick and heavywith the weight aiding in the slicing capability of this sword. Older blades can range from smalllengths of 8" upwards to 22" which is uncommon. In some cases barong blades are alsopatterned in lamellar patterns and in rarer examples with twistcore iron. Some blades were alsoknown to either have been traded from China, and are marked with a series of Chinesecharacters, or were marked by Moro smiths as a mark of quality with pseudo-marks which areunintelligible.The handles are simple in design except in the pommel which in some examples have adistinctive interpretation of a cockatua bird as a vestigial visual representation of the bird. Often handles would be made from finely patterned wood representing the social class of the owner.Especially fine Datu’s examples would be made of rare materials, such as this example in the Schmiedt Collection.This example is of exceptional quality with a superbly carved jungayyan cockatoo in near perfectcondition with no losses. The size of the pommel and the lack of damage is a rare occurrence onsuch a largely proportioned kakatua. The blade in fine condition and displaying a lamellar pattern. The grip has a long silver ferrule and embossed silver fittings. This barong likely fromSulu or Mindanao.Dating to the late 19th century.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 25 3/4" Blade Length : 17 1/4".Shipping of this lot is within USA ONLY, 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 Joló, por el p. Francisco CombÃĩs … Obra publicadaen Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboración 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. 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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