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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 999
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Dave has requested that I post photos of these Barungs.
I have dibs on the smaller one ![]() |
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#2 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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First time I have seen anything like this on a barong. For sure these are datu pieces, but this form is new to me. Thanks for posting this for our documentation!
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#3 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Witness Protection Program
Posts: 1,730
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Nice barung
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#4 |
(deceased)
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: OKLAHOMA, USA
Posts: 3,138
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CUE BALLS USED TO BE MADE OF IVORY AND WERE USED FOR VARIOUS THINGS CANE TOPS FOR INSTANCE. BUT I SUSPECT THESE ARE TOO SMALL TO BE CUE BALLS. INTERESTING BARONGS IT WOULD NO DOUBT BE AN INTERESTING STORY HOW THEY CAME TOGETHER IN THIS FORM.
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#5 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,285
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If I had to guess; I'd guess they were not purpose built for the swords .
![]() Ivory is a valuable commodity/sign of wealth regardless of form . |
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#6 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Centerville, Kansas
Posts: 2,196
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On the smaller one of the two, is that a cartouche of some sort stamped into the blade? It kind of looks Chinese to me or is it just my poor eyesight playing tricks on me again? Either way these are two very beautiful and interesting barongs.
Robert |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 327
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Robert: Iv'e been told that the chinese marked their ingots of trade iron in
this way. I know that the moros often obtained some of their iron through trading. I have another sword somewhere with this same mark, but i can't remember if it is on a kris or barong..........Dave. |
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#8 | |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: between work and sleep
Posts: 731
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![]() Quote:
I could be wrong but I vaguely remember some connection between Chinese smiths and Ankun barong? ![]() |
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#9 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,252
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Hello Dave & Lonna,
Thanks for posting these great pieces! Workmanship looks genuine Moro to me. These pommels are somewhat reminiscent of the bulbous pommel style seen in some Moro kris. However, there are differences in details and I wouldn't go so far to suggest a common ethnic/tribal origin for both hilt types. And, yes, chinese marks are quite commonly found on genuine Moro pieces, especially on barung blades. Vinny is correct that these were acquired through trade or from local expat Chinese smiths who obviously had a good reputation among the Moro. BTW, did you obtain these barung together or did they came from unrelated sources? Please share dimensions - thanks! Regards, Kai |
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#10 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,189
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Kai is 100% correct and blades with Chinese marks were even sought after.
Please more info on these. |
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#11 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 327
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Kai and Jose: Both these barongs were obtained from the same person, but
about seven years apart. I don't know where he got them. Both blades are heavy, both are a quarter inch thick at their base. The smaller of the two is 12 and three-quarters long. The larger barong is 17 inches long. The ivory balls on each are about 2 inches in diameter. Total length of ferrule on the smaller barong is 3 an one-half inches, the bigger, 4 and one-half inches. Dave. |
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#12 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Witness Protection Program
Posts: 1,730
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These were auctioned yesterday. Are there any more example with these types of pommels?
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