Two Very Good Datu Barongs, One With Shandigan Blade

[Battara]

Congratulations Charles! (grumble, grumble ). I'm so happy for you (grumble, grumble ).

I am referring to the ivory and gold piece.

I have studied this now for a while and checked out some things:

1. I agree that this maybe turn of the century, based on the chasing workmanship on the gold pieces near the pommel and the flared part of the bottom of the punto (sleeve). However, looks like either unusually good work on the punto or it is Maguindanao work (based on what I see of the okir/ukkil) (also gold plating is usually indicative of Mindanao work).

2. I also agree that the barong is Sulu. However, the scabbard could be Samal, but not necessarily. Starting in the early 20 century it appears that this type of scabbard was being adopted by Sulu groups as well.

3. The punto looks it is made of a gold/silver alloy. Also how did you find out that those pieces are copper based?

Finally, here is a close up picture of a similar hilted barong from Sulu, made of ivory, gold, and silver. This picture comes from "Gods of War" and originally belonged to George Stone, collected in 1935.