Unknown Moro sword

RobT · 25th May 2022, 12:36 AM

Hi All,

I have two short swords that, prior to this post, I always thought were barong variants. The top sword looks to have some age to it and may be pre WWII but the bottom sword is certainly post WWII. So, I have four questions. 1: Are these two swords actually keping and not barongs? 2: What does keping mean? 3: Why was a sword so similar to a barong developed in the first place? 4: What are the style queues that would identify a sword as a keping and not a Barong?

Sincerely,
RobT

xasterix · 25th May 2022, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobT

Hi All,

I have two short swords that, prior to this post, I always thought were barong variants. The top sword looks to have some age to it and may be pre WWII but the bottom sword is certainly post WWII. So, I have four questions. 1: Are these two swords actually keping and not barongs? 2: What does keping mean? 3: Why was a sword so similar to a barong developed in the first place? 4: What are the style queues that would identify a sword as a keping and not a Barong?

Sincerely,
RobT

Hi Rob:

1. Yes, those are both kepings.
2. It means 'leaf' in the Maguindanaon language.
3. The distinction is that keping was a leaf-shaped bolo used in the Mindanao area (Maranao, Maguindanao, several Lumad tribes), while barung is an exclusive fighting blade used in the Sulu area (Tausug, Sama, Yakan tribes).
4. The blade shape is kinda difficult to explain, but once one has seen hundreds of barungs, one will notice that the keping profile is different. The dress cues are easier to identify: the pommel is different and often flashier, has a smaller grip, the ferrule is fancier, the scabbard is different than that of Sulu barungs'.

xasterix · 25th May 2022, 01:31 AM

"Keping" is pretty much a catch-all term for all Maguindanao/Maranao blades that are leaf-shaped. Some don't look like wide leaf; others are slender and may have clipped points. Here are other examples that are also considered as kepings.

RobT · 25th May 2022, 10:27 PM

xasterix,

Thanks for answering my questions. I have a few more suspected kepings that I will post in a separate thread. Perhaps you can confirm their status one way or another.

Sincerely,
RobT

CharlesS · 4th June 2022, 12:38 PM

Detlef,

I love the look of the sword you originally showed us in the thread. It's so practical. I am just guessing at some Chinese influence, especially with the guard.

I think there are many Moro variations and custom-made swords out there. This thread has some nice examples of just that.

I really enjoy looking at pieces that deviate from the norm!

Great catch on your part! Congrats!

Sajen · 4th June 2022, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I am just guessing at some Chinese influence, especially with the guard.

Hello Charles,
Yes, I agree, the blade has a Chinese flair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

Great catch on your part! Congrats!

I wish it were, but I was outbid at the last moment, alas!

Regards,
Detlef

25th May 2022, 12:36 AM	#1
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 533	4 Questions Hi All, I have two short swords that, prior to this post, I always thought were barong variants. The top sword looks to have some age to it and may be pre WWII but the bottom sword is certainly post WWII. So, I have four questions. 1: Are these two swords actually keping and not barongs? 2: What does keping mean? 3: Why was a sword so similar to a barong developed in the first place? 4: What are the style queues that would identify a sword as a keping and not a Barong? Sincerely, RobT Attached Images

25th May 2022, 01:31 AM	#3
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 670	"Keping" is pretty much a catch-all term for all Maguindanao/Maranao blades that are leaf-shaped. Some don't look like wide leaf; others are slender and may have clipped points. Here are other examples that are also considered as kepings. Attached Images

25th May 2022, 10:27 PM	#4
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 533	Thanks xasterix xasterix, Thanks for answering my questions. I have a few more suspected kepings that I will post in a separate thread. Perhaps you can confirm their status one way or another. Sincerely, RobT

4th June 2022, 12:38 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Detlef, I love the look of the sword you originally showed us in the thread. It's so practical. I am just guessing at some Chinese influence, especially with the guard. I think there are many Moro variations and custom-made swords out there. This thread has some nice examples of just that. I really enjoy looking at pieces that deviate from the norm! Great catch on your part! Congrats!