Moro Barong With Real(???) Chinese Influence: A Tortoise Shell Ferrule

[Dimasalang]

Very nice!
But weren't tortoiseshells on Moro weapons done later by the mid-20th century?(Specifically the scabbards). I don't think I have ever seen any tortoiseshell used on Spanish era and early 1900 Moro pieces. But that does look like a very early piece. Just my limited observation and opinion.

[Sajen]

It is everytime great to find a barong with full intact pommel. And I never have seen a handle with tortoise shell bands.

Regards,
Detlef

[kino]

Originally Posted by Dimasalang

Very nice!
But weren't tortoiseshells on Moro weapons done later by the mid-20th century?(Specifically the scabbards). I don't think I have ever seen any tortoiseshell used on Spanish era and early 1900 Moro pieces. But that does look like a very early piece. Just my limited observation and opinion.

Thanks Dimasalang, you have jogged my memory. I have seen tortoise shells on Kris scabbards. I know I have seen this Barung on Cecil's web-site before.

[kai]

Hello Charles,

Thanks for posting this special barung!

Judging from the wood (and, partly, workmanship), the scabbard might be a somewhat later replacement.

Maybe the tortoise shell was also added to an antique hilt at a later time (like mid-20th c.), possibly replacing worn braiding or silver bands?

Regards,
Kai

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by kai

Judging from the wood (and, partly, workmanship), the scabbard might be a somewhat later replacement.

Maybe the tortoise shell was also added to an antique hilt at a later time (like mid-20th c.), possibly replacing worn braiding or silver bands?

The scabbard may, of course, be a working life replacement, but it was, at one time, far better than what you now see. It clearly had a carved 'toe', now broken away. The original rattan was in very thin strips all the way up to where you see the replaced rattan now. Keeping in mind the quality of the blade...or lack there of...the scabbard does not really surprise me.

The tortoise shell has the look of having been "born together" with the rest. The patina is consistent. The tortoise bands have been cut in extremely thin strips and fitted under the silver bands(the two top silver bands are loose so it is easy to see) and have been fitted in a way that matches the seams with where the silver band seams are on the underside of the hilt. This tortoise shell bares no resemblance to the thick faux tortoise shell seen on late 20th century examples. The colors are much more subtle than that as well.

No doubt the quality of this piece is mostly in the hilt and little else.