Maranao Barong
 

finally getting around to sharing some pics of the Maranao Barong I picked up some time ago. It is a nice contrast to most Maranao ones I have seen, this one being longer and narrower.

Wow! How long is that blade? It looks like a sword!

Spiral

According to Ibeam and Quirino, this would be considered a sipput barong, a still that is usually longer and narrower.

Never was aware of Maranao barong until a few years ago. I wonder if more recent development, like post 1920s......... :shrug:

Would guess also by this barong around WWII for the age because the aluminium fittings. Interesting that it has a guard.

Regards,
Detlef

I agree with your assessment of age for this particular one Detlef.

Hello Nirghosa, There is one other thing about this I would like to make mention of. The grip area of the hilt seems to be of a constant diameter on this example where on most other barongs the grip area tapers in diameter getting smaller as it moves toward the blade. As Detlef has pointed out, the use of a guard is also quite interesting. A most unusual barong for sure. :cool:

Best,
Robert

I know nothing of Filipino weaponry, but with any weapon I think larger, more detailed photos would help?

spiral

When thinking of odd barung, North Borneo should not be forgotten. There are some good pictures of northern Borneo barung in this old thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001304.html

The kakatua on the Maranao barung looks similar to some of these. Note that the ones from Sabah also have cylindrical rather than tapering handles.

Ian.

I'll try to load some closer pics later.
Regarding the guard, that is a common theme on Maranao barongs

I would only add that Palawan barongs (near Borneo) seem to also be narrow and have round hilts (not pommels).

Good to know, thank you! :)