Important Collection of Antique Asian Arms
Lot 98:
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. Older blades canrange from small lengths of 8" upwards to 22" which is uncommon. In some cases barong bladesare also patterned in lamellar patterns and in rarer examples with twistcore iron. Some bladeswere also known 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 has a distinctiveinterpretation of a cockatua showing a vestigial appropriation of the form. Often handles wouldbe made from finely patterned wood representing the social class of the owner. Especially fineDatus examples would be made of a variety of rare materials. There is contention that barongsmay be attributed to tribe based on the angle of the pommel to the grip, with barongs featuring a45 degree tilt to the cockatua as Tausug while those with a sharp angle as Samal or Yakan.This example in the Schmiedt Collection is of exceptional quality workmanship and a Datu’sbarong and displays a rare finely carved pommel with the vestigial form kakatua pommel, whilethe ferrule, or punto, is of exceptional quality and appears to be gold or suasa, an especially highquality feature. The blade of classic barong profile, with a thick spine. The blade is a fine qualityexample of especial length. The scabbard, or tagub, remains in good condition and is formed oftwo pieces of wood, bound in a complex rattan pattern.Total Length (inside scabbard if present) : 29" Blade Length : 19 3/4" 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 Joló, por el p. Francisco CombÃĩs … Obrapublicada en Madrid en 1667, y que ahora con la colaboración del p. Pablo Pastells …saca nuevamente 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 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.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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