Maranao Barong

Nirghosa · 26th July 2014, 10:31 PM

finally getting around to sharing some pics of the Maranao Barong I picked up some time ago. It is a nice contrast to most Maranao ones I have seen, this one being longer and narrower.

spiral · 26th July 2014, 10:57 PM

Wow! How long is that blade? It looks like a sword!

Spiral

Battara · 26th July 2014, 11:08 PM

According to Ibeam and Quirino, this would be considered a sipput barong, a still that is usually longer and narrower.

Never was aware of Maranao barong until a few years ago. I wonder if more recent development, like post 1920s.........

Sajen · 27th July 2014, 12:31 PM

Would guess also by this barong around WWII for the age because the aluminium fittings. Interesting that it has a guard.

Regards,
Detlef

Battara · 27th July 2014, 10:36 PM

I agree with your assessment of age for this particular one Detlef.

Robert · 27th July 2014, 11:01 PM

Hello Nirghosa, There is one other thing about this I would like to make mention of. The grip area of the hilt seems to be of a constant diameter on this example where on most other barongs the grip area tapers in diameter getting smaller as it moves toward the blade. As Detlef has pointed out, the use of a guard is also quite interesting. A most unusual barong for sure.

Best,
Robert

spiral · 27th July 2014, 11:03 PM

I know nothing of Filipino weaponry, but with any weapon I think larger, more detailed photos would help?

spiral

Ian · 29th July 2014, 05:05 PM

When thinking of odd barung, North Borneo should not be forgotten. There are some good pictures of northern Borneo barung in this old thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001304.html

The kakatua on the Maranao barung looks similar to some of these. Note that the ones from Sabah also have cylindrical rather than tapering handles.

Ian.

Nirghosa · 29th July 2014, 11:29 PM

I'll try to load some closer pics later.
Regarding the guard, that is a common theme on Maranao barongs

Battara · 30th July 2014, 12:24 AM

I would only add that Palawan barongs (near Borneo) seem to also be narrow and have round hilts (not pommels).

Sajen · 30th July 2014, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nirghosa

Regarding the guard, that is a common theme on Maranao barongs

Good to know, thank you!

26th July 2014, 10:31 PM	#1
Nirghosa Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 119	Maranao Barong finally getting around to sharing some pics of the Maranao Barong I picked up some time ago. It is a nice contrast to most Maranao ones I have seen, this one being longer and narrower. Attached Images

26th July 2014, 10:57 PM	#2
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Wow! How long is that blade? It looks like a sword! Spiral

26th July 2014, 11:08 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	According to Ibeam and Quirino, this would be considered a sipput barong, a still that is usually longer and narrower. Never was aware of Maranao barong until a few years ago. I wonder if more recent development, like post 1920s.........

27th July 2014, 12:31 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Would guess also by this barong around WWII for the age because the aluminium fittings. Interesting that it has a guard. Regards, Detlef

27th July 2014, 10:36 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	I agree with your assessment of age for this particular one Detlef.

27th July 2014, 11:01 PM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Nirghosa, There is one other thing about this I would like to make mention of. The grip area of the hilt seems to be of a constant diameter on this example where on most other barongs the grip area tapers in diameter getting smaller as it moves toward the blade. As Detlef has pointed out, the use of a guard is also quite interesting. A most unusual barong for sure. Best, Robert

27th July 2014, 11:03 PM	#7
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	I know nothing of Filipino weaponry, but with any weapon I think larger, more detailed photos would help? spiral

29th July 2014, 05:05 PM	#8
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,203	When thinking of odd barung, North Borneo should not be forgotten. There are some good pictures of northern Borneo barung in this old thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001304.html The kakatua on the Maranao barung looks similar to some of these. Note that the ones from Sabah also have cylindrical rather than tapering handles. Ian.

29th July 2014, 11:29 PM	#9
Nirghosa Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 119	I'll try to load some closer pics later. Regarding the guard, that is a common theme on Maranao barongs

30th July 2014, 12:24 AM	#10
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	I would only add that Palawan barongs (near Borneo) seem to also be narrow and have round hilts (not pommels).