First Barong

scratch · 23rd March 2008, 12:18 PM

G'day everyone

Thank you to those who responded to my previous posts.
To me the end of this, earlier style? scabbard looks like a scorpion stinger, possible perhaps? as their are species in bourneo. eg: Heterometus spinifer, Asian forest scorpion. The wood of handle is nice I think. Blade is laminated?
Blade length: 16 3/16 in
Handle: 7 in , shame about the crest broken off

Any ideas regarding origin and age appeciated, Thank you.

Kind regards,

Daniel

kai · 23rd March 2008, 02:45 PM

Hello Daniel,

Nice score!

Definitely laminated blade (etch it!); I'd guess at late 19th century status piece.

Regards,
Kai

Battara · 25th March 2008, 01:43 AM

I agree with Kai in that it is probably laminated and belonged to a person of status. I think however it is not a status piece so much as a work or everyday piece that belonged to a person of status.

scratch · 27th March 2008, 11:59 PM

Gentlemen,
Thank you for interest and identification of piece

By person of status, does this mean a datu or a minor official? I am unaware of the Tribal/Political heirarchies that existed in this time period. Would anyone be willing to share a brief summary?
Is this a Moro barong?
Is the Banati wood? handle made of the root burl? Any significance of size of handle?
I have read that some Bourneo tribes tattooed a stylized scorpion on themselves to indicate that a head had been taken, I cant verify the accuracy of this and it sounds a bit fanciful although possible I guess

more research required.
Any thoughts on if scorpions were used in an artistic sense in this region?
Sorry for all the questions but I am much taken with this piece

Thanks for your time,

Daniel

Battara · 28th March 2008, 06:34 PM

To answer some of your questions:

1. status - datu perhaps or a little lower rank if it is a work/everyday wear with the tail missing.

2. banati wood is burled/root wood

3. it is Moro, though does not look borneo to me and thus I doubt the scorpion is useful in this context.

4. need to see other side of scabbard to tell you more.

scratch · 29th March 2008, 06:37 AM

G,day,
Battara, Thank you for your help. It is appreciated

I have included photos of other side of scabbard.

Cheers,

Dan

23rd March 2008, 12:18 PM	#1
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	First Barong G'day everyone Thank you to those who responded to my previous posts. To me the end of this, earlier style? scabbard looks like a scorpion stinger, possible perhaps? as their are species in bourneo. eg: Heterometus spinifer, Asian forest scorpion. The wood of handle is nice I think. Blade is laminated? Blade length: 16 3/16 in Handle: 7 in , shame about the crest broken off Any ideas regarding origin and age appeciated, Thank you. Kind regards, Daniel Attached Images

29th March 2008, 06:37 AM	#6
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	G,day, Battara, Thank you for your help. It is appreciated I have included photos of other side of scabbard. Cheers, Dan Attached Images

23rd March 2008, 02:45 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Daniel, Nice score! Definitely laminated blade (etch it!); I'd guess at late 19th century status piece. Regards, Kai

25th March 2008, 01:43 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,266	I agree with Kai in that it is probably laminated and belonged to a person of status. I think however it is not a status piece so much as a work or everyday piece that belonged to a person of status.

27th March 2008, 11:59 PM	#4
scratch Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 96	Gentlemen, Thank you for interest and identification of piece By person of status, does this mean a datu or a minor official? I am unaware of the Tribal/Political heirarchies that existed in this time period. Would anyone be willing to share a brief summary? Is this a Moro barong? Is the Banati wood? handle made of the root burl? Any significance of size of handle? I have read that some Bourneo tribes tattooed a stylized scorpion on themselves to indicate that a head had been taken, I cant verify the accuracy of this and it sounds a bit fanciful although possible I guess more research required. Any thoughts on if scorpions were used in an artistic sense in this region? Sorry for all the questions but I am much taken with this piece Thanks for your time, Daniel

28th March 2008, 06:34 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,266	To answer some of your questions: 1. status - datu perhaps or a little lower rank if it is a work/everyday wear with the tail missing. 2. banati wood is burled/root wood 3. it is Moro, though does not look borneo to me and thus I doubt the scorpion is useful in this context. 4. need to see other side of scabbard to tell you more.