MORO BARUNG

[tanaruz]

Hi friends,

Sharing a barung collection from my father's. This was purchased around 2 years ago from the family of a balikbayan from the US. What attracted me is the silver braids on the handle. My first impression is that this barung's pommel was missing (am I correct to say this?). Could there have been a pommel on this piece? what possible design could it have been?

because of the silver handle and the braids...could this be a middle to upper-class type?

Thanks for your info and keep safe always.

Yves

Note: the rattan weaves are, in my opinion, a new addition to either hold the scabbard pieces together or for safely reasons.

[Ian]

Hello Yves.

Thank you for showing this beautiful Sulu barung. I believe this one is indeed a datu quality piece. The extensive use of silver on the hilt, with braided silver rings (budbud) overlying the silver punto, is an indicator of a high quality piece intended for a wealthy individual. You are correct that the pommel is missing. The peg protruding from the end of the hilt would have been used to secure the pommel, possibly an elaborate junggayan one made of precious wood or ivory.

Some years ago I had a barung with a similar, silver-covered, hilt missing its pommel and I have seen at least three other examples also missing their pommels. It seems that their owners may have fallen on hard financial times and removed the valuable pommels for sale. Filipino friends have told me this happens occasionally.

I had my barung restored to completeness by battara, who is also a Moderator on this Forum. He made a silver kakatua pommel that really brought the barung back to life and made its gin happy again.

Ian

[tanaruz]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hello Yves.

Thank you for showing this beautiful Sulu barung. I believe this one is indeed a datu quality piece. The extensive use of silver on the hilt, with braided silver rings (budbud) overlying the silver punto, is an indicator of a high quality piece intended for a wealthy individual. You are correct that the pommel is missing. The peg protruding from the end of the hilt would have been used to secure the pommel, possibly an elaborate junggayan one made of precious wood or ivory.

Some years ago I had a barung with a similar, silver-covered, hilt missing its pommel and I have seen at least three other examples also missing their pommels. It seems that their owners may have fallen on hard financial times and removed the valuable pommels for sale. Filipino friends have told me this happens occasionally.

I had my barung restored to completeness by battara, who is also a Moderator on this Forum. He made a silver kakatua pommel that really brought the barung back to life and made its gin happy again.

Ian

Hello Sir,

Really appreciate the info. You do have pics of the restored pommel? Is it ok to contact battara (for some pics and suggestions)?

I have a sperm whale tooth in my collection. Bought from a picker who got it from Tawi Tawi during the 80s. It would be a possible option for a pommel.

Question: is sperm whale tooth considered 'ivory'?

Kindest regards,

Yves

[Battara]

I was so happy to work o Ian's barong.

I agree your's probably had ivory, wood, or even horn on the pommel.

And yes, sperm whale tooth is a form of ivory, and it is not unheard of to use sperm whale tooth, sea cow tooth, hippo tooth, even clam shell. Lots of trade in the region.

And Yves you have PM.

[Battara]

Here are the pictures of how I got it from Ian:

[Battara]

So I replaced the missing brass inlay on the blade, made a horn spacer, and made the silver pommel (before there were any pictures of such a thing), and a scabbard for it:

[tanaruz]

Originally Posted by Battara

I was so happy to work o Ian's barong.

I agree your's probably had ivory, wood, or even horn on the pommel.

And yes, sperm whale tooth is a form of ivory, and it is not unheard of to use sperm whale tooth, sea cow tooth, hippo tooth, even clam shell. Lots of trade in the region.

And Yves you have PM.

Hello Sir Jose,

Thanks for this valuable info especially the sperm whale tooth being a form of ivory.

Sir you have a PM

Keep safe

Yves