Yakan Knives and Swords

Rafngard · 10th December 2017, 06:15 AM

Hello,

Is it possible that this small (probably post-WWII era) barong that I have is yakan?

In particular I'm thinking about the rattan pattern on the scabbard.
I've wondered for a while if it was a tourist piece, but the blade is good and thick.

Thanks,
Leif

Ian · 10th December 2017, 08:58 PM

Hi Leif:

Yes, it has the same characteristics as the knives I have shown. The rattan or reed work on the scabbard is typical and the down-turned, almost "hooked," pommel is also in the same general style. It is quite common to find pinned or glued MOP pieces on these also, as yours has.

A mid- to late-20th C piece IMO. These are not high quality knives in terms of materials and the skill exhibited in making them, but they are certainly functional and I would not call them "tourist."

Ian

xasterix · 15th October 2018, 07:26 AM

Hi, regarding Yakan weaponry, they're still being produced in Zamboanga. I'm attaching pictures of the products that are being sold there now.

There are Yakan barung (with carved and uncarved hilts), Yakan pira, Yakan barungs with mother-of-pearl accents, and kris swords.

They don't come cheap, of course. But they're still being made by traditional smiths.

10th December 2017, 06:15 AM	#1
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 350	Hello, Is it possible that this small (probably post-WWII era) barong that I have is yakan? In particular I'm thinking about the rattan pattern on the scabbard. I've wondered for a while if it was a tourist piece, but the blade is good and thick. Thanks, Leif Attached Images

15th October 2018, 07:26 AM	#3
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 674	Hi, regarding Yakan weaponry, they're still being produced in Zamboanga. I'm attaching pictures of the products that are being sold there now. There are Yakan barung (with carved and uncarved hilts), Yakan pira, Yakan barungs with mother-of-pearl accents, and kris swords. They don't come cheap, of course. But they're still being made by traditional smiths. Attached Images

10th December 2017, 08:58 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,398	Hi Leif: Yes, it has the same characteristics as the knives I have shown. The rattan or reed work on the scabbard is typical and the down-turned, almost "hooked," pommel is also in the same general style. It is quite common to find pinned or glued MOP pieces on these also, as yours has. A mid- to late-20th C piece IMO. These are not high quality knives in terms of materials and the skill exhibited in making them, but they are certainly functional and I would not call them "tourist." Ian