BARUNG REBIRTH 2

[tanaruz]

Hello,

This is the 2nd barung (of 3) which we have restored. It was bought together with the Barung rebirth 1- with no scabbard and hilt.

The new scabbard and hilt was made by another artisan (beside the one who made the scabbard/hilt of barung #1) who's also in Jolo:

Circa: late 19th century-present
Kastil type/ laminated

OAL: 24 inches/ blade: 15.75 inches
Hilt(new): made from BALU hardwood (don't know the English name for this type of wood). With braided rings (Pamo material). With ferrule made of brass.

Scabbard: made from teakwood (jati- in Tausug).

Enjoy,

Yves

[Ian]

Hi Yves,

Another nicely executed dress for this old Moro blade. You have found some very good carvers! Does the scabbard have a central ridge or is it flat?

[Sajen]

Very nicely done! Good to know that there are still people who are skilled carvers.

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

Does the scabbard have a central ridge or is it flat?

It seems to be evenly rounded - possibly lentil-like cross-section, Ian.

[kai]

Good to know that there are still people who are skilled carvers.

I agree with Ian and Detlef that carving skill still seems to be alive and well. I'd really love them to go back to traditional carving styles from before the 20th century though! Any chance to make this happen by supplying enough genuine examples? Will pics from all angles possibly do?

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Yves,

The new scabbard and hilt was made by another artisan (beside the one who made the scabbard/hilt of barung #1) who's also in Jolo

I seem to fathom some mix of influences including Tausug and Sama traditions here.

Any chance to politely enquire about the familial background and professional influences of all these different carvers? I feel this might help to understand the development of extant carving traditions?

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

I'd really love them to go back to traditional carving styles from before the 20th century though! Any chance to make this happen by supplying enough genuine examples? Will pics from all angles possibly do?

Yes, this would be great! I have two incomplete hilts!

[tanaruz]

Hello,

1) scabbard: evenly-rounded, lentil-like cross section;

2) it is very much possible to have these carvers do any design (before the 20th century, etc). Just send some pics and they will do their best. That's where I got the designs for the 3 barungs. ha ha ha

Options:

a) you can send the picture/s- and they will make the the hilt (and scabbard). If you cannot send the barung, kris,etc. you can trace it in a white cardboard and send it to me;

b) or you can send the entire sword to my place in Manila and I will forward it to them in Jolo.

Notes:
sending of blades from an international origin to Manila is not a problem(in my experience). Sending them back might be a challenge (although I have seen other bladesmiths here sending them thru DHL to the US). But I haven't tried it yet.

Let me know. I'd love to assist in making your swords complete.

Saludos,

Yves

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by tanaruz

Just send some pics and they will do their best. That's where I got the designs for the 3 barungs. ha ha ha

Options:

a) you can send the picture/s- and they will make the the hilt (and scabbard). If you cannot send the barung, kris,etc. you can trace it in a white cardboard and send it to me;

b) or you can send the entire sword to my place in Manila and I will forward it to them in Jolo.

Notes:
sending of blades from an international origin to Manila is not a problem(in my experience). Sending them back might be a challenge (although I have seen other bladesmiths here sending them thru DHL to the US). But I haven't tried it yet.

Let me know. I'd love to assist in making your swords complete.

Hi Yves,

Better let us speak via pm or mail about this! But thank you for the kind offer!

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

Hello Yves,

Thanks for your kind offer!

1) scabbard: evenly-rounded, lentil-like cross section;

2) it is very much possible to have these carvers do any design (before the 20th century, etc). Just send some pics and they will do their best. That's where I got the designs for the 3 barungs.

While the carving certainly exhibits good skill, I beg to differ regarding the final product:

• The hilt and scabbard of #2 are clearly based on 20th century style (well after the turn of the century, indeed).
• While #1 is based on 19th century construction, the carving details are off, I'm afraid.

Really sticking to traditional designs may well be possible. However, it's not easy adapting to the flow of lines of several cultures and switch between them upon request. Most likely it will need serious efforts to gain experience and honing skills by fine-tuning design in several iterations. Such a project will need the willingness to fund a number of attempts as well as the willingness to discuss & learn.

I'm happy to provide advice and am looking forward to discussing results of such attempts. The ergonomics of the old styles feel so much nicer!

Regards,
Kai