TAUSUG BARUNG

tanaruz · 10th November 2021, 06:14 AM

Hello,

A recent acquisition. Sharing this vintage(?) Moro barung.

This was sold to us by the heirs of a retired Brigadier General of the defunct Philippine Constabulary(PC). He was assigned in the Zamboanga-Basilan-Jolo area.

My initial thought is that this is a Tausug barung(?) A vintage piece with a 'kastil' type blade profile.

The scabbard is sheathed with a yellow plastic band (as an anti-rain?).

Possible age?

All the best,

Yves

xasterix · 10th November 2021, 10:21 AM

The piece is recent, probably 80s, well below vintage (WW2 would be vintage). If one looks at the blade closely, one can see that it's 'molye' or monosteel, most likely leaf spring. The pommel is also of recent make; several Sulu-based outfit make that exact pommel nowadays.

"Kastil" as used by modern Tausug outfits is different from its old meaning. As with many terms, usage / definition may change per era. I personally don't use that to classify barungs.

Plastic bands were probably used due to scarcity of rattan. Other substitute, replacement or repair materials for rattan include colored tape, electrical tape, etc.

David · 10th November 2021, 02:26 PM

I generally agree with Xasterix. I think it might be a little older than the 1980s, but not much. But we need to remember that "vintage" is generally 40 years or more and if this barung is from, let's say, 1980 that would put it at that 40 year old mark. So i would call it vintage. Certainly not antique though.
It is a shame someone went at that blade so aggressively with circular sander. Even mono steel deserves better restoration treatments than that.

tanaruz · 10th November 2021, 02:49 PM

Hi,

This lovely barung is now up for proper restoration in my father's hometown of Zamboanga. Will post the same barung, post restoration.

Regards and many thanks,

Yves

David · 10th November 2021, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanaruz

Hi,

This lovely barung is now up for proper restoration in my father's hometown of Zamboanga. Will post the same barung, post restoration.

Regards and many thanks,

Yves

Looking forward to seeing the restored barung.

Sajen · 10th November 2021, 04:24 PM

Hi Yves,

I am with David, I am pretty sure that your new toy is older than the 1980s. I would place it in the WWII area or short after.
Look to the wooden pommel, the piece never leave the Philippines so it has had every time the same climatic conditions regardless the wood get an age crack, for me a sign of good age.
I have a somewhat similar piece, sadly without scabbard, same material by the handle ferrules and same quality, similar detailed carving by the pommel.
By my example the blade is laminated and I wouldn't be surprised when it will be by Yves example also.
Compare!

Sajen · 10th November 2021, 04:36 PM

A picture from the light lamination and the handle today.

10th November 2021, 06:14 AM	#1
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 267	TAUSUG BARUNG Hello, A recent acquisition. Sharing this vintage(?) Moro barung. This was sold to us by the heirs of a retired Brigadier General of the defunct Philippine Constabulary(PC). He was assigned in the Zamboanga-Basilan-Jolo area. My initial thought is that this is a Tausug barung(?) A vintage piece with a 'kastil' type blade profile. The scabbard is sheathed with a yellow plastic band (as an anti-rain?). Possible age? All the best, Yves Attached Images

10th November 2021, 10:21 AM	#2
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 655	The piece is recent, probably 80s, well below vintage (WW2 would be vintage). If one looks at the blade closely, one can see that it's 'molye' or monosteel, most likely leaf spring. The pommel is also of recent make; several Sulu-based outfit make that exact pommel nowadays. "Kastil" as used by modern Tausug outfits is different from its old meaning. As with many terms, usage / definition may change per era. I personally don't use that to classify barungs. Plastic bands were probably used due to scarcity of rattan. Other substitute, replacement or repair materials for rattan include colored tape, electrical tape, etc. Last edited by xasterix; 10th November 2021 at 11:10 AM.

10th November 2021, 02:49 PM	#4
tanaruz Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 267	TAUSUG BARUNG Hi, This lovely barung is now up for proper restoration in my father's hometown of Zamboanga. Will post the same barung, post restoration. Regards and many thanks, Yves

10th November 2021, 04:24 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hi Yves, I am with David, I am pretty sure that your new toy is older than the 1980s. I would place it in the WWII area or short after. Look to the wooden pommel, the piece never leave the Philippines so it has had every time the same climatic conditions regardless the wood get an age crack, for me a sign of good age. I have a somewhat similar piece, sadly without scabbard, same material by the handle ferrules and same quality, similar detailed carving by the pommel. By my example the blade is laminated and I wouldn't be surprised when it will be by Yves example also. Compare! Attached Images

10th November 2021, 04:36 PM	#7
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	A picture from the light lamination and the handle today. Attached Images

10th November 2021, 02:26 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,124	I generally agree with Xasterix. I think it might be a little older than the 1980s, but not much. But we need to remember that "vintage" is generally 40 years or more and if this barung is from, let's say, 1980 that would put it at that 40 year old mark. So i would call it vintage. Certainly not antique though. It is a shame someone went at that blade so aggressively with circular sander. Even mono steel deserves better restoration treatments than that.