Pair of Moro Barong

VANDOO · 15th November 2010, 05:57 PM

YES BANDS LIKE THOSE.

WITH THAT MANY BANDS THOUGH THEY MAY NOT ALL BE HAIR OR IT MAY JUST HAVE SOME MIXED IN IF ITS THERE. THE ONE I SAW WAS SMALL AND UNIFORM IN COLOR AND MATERIAL.
I HAD ALWAYS JUST ASSUMED THE ONLY PURPOSE THESE FIBER BANDS SERVED WAS TO IMPROVE THE GRIP OR POSSIBLY COVER A SEAM. I FURTHER ASSUMED SOME KIND OF PLANT FIBER CORD WAS USED FOR THE PURPOSE. IT IS LIKELY IN MOST CASES OR PERHAPS IN MORE RECENT TIMES PLANT FIBER IS USED. BUT THE POSSIBILITY DOES EXHIST THAT WOVEN HUMAN HAIR MAY BE USED OR HAVE BEEN USED. SO ITS WORTH TAKEING A CLOSER LOOK AND SEEING IF SUCH EXAMPLES ARE IN OUR COLLECTIONS AND TO LOOK FOR WRITEN REFRENCES TO IT.
HUMAN HAIR DOES HAVE SIGNIFICANCE IN MOST HUMAN SOCIETY EVEN MY MOM HAD A SMALL TUFT OF MY HAIR FROM WHEN I WAS A BABY AS A KEEPSAKE. I MENTIONED THE KERIS HANDLES IN BALI AND THEY SAID THE HAIR USUALLY WAS SUPPLIED BY A FEMALE MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS TO BE FOUND. THE ONE I LOOKED AT WAS COVERED WITH SOMETHING BUT IT WAS VERY FINE FIBER OR HAIR NOT THICK LIKE ANIMAL HAIR OR MOST PLANT FIBERS.

Spunjer · 17th November 2010, 05:42 AM

indeed it might have some important significance, vandoo. not only on barungs, but i've seen these type of bands on my krises. but here's a more obvious hair-on-weapon example; on a budiak, awak-awak, a more personal type carried by an individual much like a barung or kris:

carlitobrigante · 17th November 2010, 05:09 PM

i was abit sceptical of the whole human hair idea, only because these woven bands are so common on these i thought it would have been mentioned somewhere before if they were indeed human hair.

After seeing Spunjers pic though i now think you might be onto something. If that hair on the budiak was twisted and lacquered it would look just like whats currently woven around the barong.

Very cool if true, awesome way of carrying your ancestors into battle.

On a side note i now have both Barongs in my possesion. Gave the older one a quick clean and a warm vinegar etch which has brought the pattern out more but kept it subtle which is how i like it.

Also on advice from a fellow forumite im going to try and get my library to hook me up with a copy of Catos book to study in library. Will try to get some decent scans / pics.

Maurice · 21st November 2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spunjer

indeed it might have some important significance, vandoo. not only on barungs, but i've seen these type of bands on my krises. but here's a more obvious hair-on-weapon example; on a budiak, awak-awak, a more personal type carried by an individual much like a barung or kris:

Great piece Ron!!!

Spunjer · 21st November 2010, 03:13 PM

Carlito, glad u got fast and trouble! I'm sure it found a great home.
maurice, yeah, definitely one of my pride and joy. The whole collar was definitely a lavor of love, braiding brass wires and strips like that...

carlitobrigante · 23rd November 2010, 06:42 PM

Ah i thought it likely the seller would be a member here. I love it mate, thanks for a hassle free transaction.

Maurice · 23rd November 2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spunjer

maurice, yeah, definitely one of my pride and joy. The whole collar was definitely a lavor of love, braiding brass wires and strips like that...

Ron, absolutely true.
If you ever want to let it go, you have my email!

Spunjer · 24th November 2010, 03:49 PM

anytime, carlito!
maurice, definitely... will keep you in mind

Battara · 24th November 2010, 11:33 PM

I was with Spunger when he got this wonderful piece and in handling it, it reminded me of Shaka Zulu's iklwa short spear.

17th November 2010, 05:42 AM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	indeed it might have some important significance, vandoo. not only on barungs, but i've seen these type of bands on my krises. but here's a more obvious hair-on-weapon example; on a budiak, awak-awak, a more personal type carried by an individual much like a barung or kris: Attached Images

15th November 2010, 05:57 PM	#1
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	YES BANDS LIKE THOSE. WITH THAT MANY BANDS THOUGH THEY MAY NOT ALL BE HAIR OR IT MAY JUST HAVE SOME MIXED IN IF ITS THERE. THE ONE I SAW WAS SMALL AND UNIFORM IN COLOR AND MATERIAL. I HAD ALWAYS JUST ASSUMED THE ONLY PURPOSE THESE FIBER BANDS SERVED WAS TO IMPROVE THE GRIP OR POSSIBLY COVER A SEAM. I FURTHER ASSUMED SOME KIND OF PLANT FIBER CORD WAS USED FOR THE PURPOSE. IT IS LIKELY IN MOST CASES OR PERHAPS IN MORE RECENT TIMES PLANT FIBER IS USED. BUT THE POSSIBILITY DOES EXHIST THAT WOVEN HUMAN HAIR MAY BE USED OR HAVE BEEN USED. SO ITS WORTH TAKEING A CLOSER LOOK AND SEEING IF SUCH EXAMPLES ARE IN OUR COLLECTIONS AND TO LOOK FOR WRITEN REFRENCES TO IT. HUMAN HAIR DOES HAVE SIGNIFICANCE IN MOST HUMAN SOCIETY EVEN MY MOM HAD A SMALL TUFT OF MY HAIR FROM WHEN I WAS A BABY AS A KEEPSAKE. I MENTIONED THE KERIS HANDLES IN BALI AND THEY SAID THE HAIR USUALLY WAS SUPPLIED BY A FEMALE MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS TO BE FOUND. THE ONE I LOOKED AT WAS COVERED WITH SOMETHING BUT IT WAS VERY FINE FIBER OR HAIR NOT THICK LIKE ANIMAL HAIR OR MOST PLANT FIBERS.

17th November 2010, 05:09 PM	#3
carlitobrigante Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Solihull, UK Posts: 81	i was abit sceptical of the whole human hair idea, only because these woven bands are so common on these i thought it would have been mentioned somewhere before if they were indeed human hair. After seeing Spunjers pic though i now think you might be onto something. If that hair on the budiak was twisted and lacquered it would look just like whats currently woven around the barong. Very cool if true, awesome way of carrying your ancestors into battle. On a side note i now have both Barongs in my possesion. Gave the older one a quick clean and a warm vinegar etch which has brought the pattern out more but kept it subtle which is how i like it. Also on advice from a fellow forumite im going to try and get my library to hook me up with a copy of Catos book to study in library. Will try to get some decent scans / pics.

21st November 2010, 03:13 PM	#5
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	Carlito, glad u got fast and trouble! I'm sure it found a great home. maurice, yeah, definitely one of my pride and joy. The whole collar was definitely a lavor of love, braiding brass wires and strips like that...

23rd November 2010, 06:42 PM	#6
carlitobrigante Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Solihull, UK Posts: 81	Ah i thought it likely the seller would be a member here. I love it mate, thanks for a hassle free transaction.

24th November 2010, 03:49 PM	#8
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	anytime, carlito! maurice, definitely... will keep you in mind

24th November 2010, 11:33 PM	#9
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I was with Spunger when he got this wonderful piece and in handling it, it reminded me of Shaka Zulu's iklwa short spear.