Unusual Barong

DaveS · 20th December 2013, 10:13 PM

Here is a barong with a silver handguard and a floral motif on the blade.
Blade is 15 1/2 inches long, 22 inches long. No scabbard. I was told that
this style of barong might have originated from Mindanao. Any thoughts.
.........Dave.

Spunjer · 20th December 2013, 11:14 PM

yep. most likely from Lanao, second quarter of the century. notice how the handguard is similar to the gunongs that came from that area...

Battara · 21st December 2013, 08:11 AM

I totally agree with Ron. This is Maranao okir work and is more recent. They still do this work in Marawi City in Maranao territory.

Nice metal-work. Best recent okir blade work from this area I have seen.

Nirghosa · 24th December 2013, 04:01 AM

Lovely Maranao barong. Did you purchase it? I have seen pictures of this one. Far nicer than most Maranao pieces, there aren't that many.

DaveS · 24th December 2013, 10:38 PM

Nirghosa: I bought it from a dealer in the Philippines. I knew it wasn't that
old, but i just liked the overall look and the quality......Dave.

Battara · 25th December 2013, 12:14 AM

Yes, barong are not Maranao but Sulu. However, in recent years, Maranao artists have been making "Maranao-ized" barongs.

Nirghosa · 31st December 2013, 04:04 AM

Yes, there are some marked differences but there can be some very nice Maranao barongs (as this thread clearly shows).
The feel is a bit different but my Maranao barong is one of favorite cutting items.
Congratulations on an excellent purchase Dave! One I would love to have as I primarily collect Maranao pieces.

20th December 2013, 10:13 PM	#1
DaveS Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 327	Unusual Barong Here is a barong with a silver handguard and a floral motif on the blade. Blade is 15 1/2 inches long, 22 inches long. No scabbard. I was told that this style of barong might have originated from Mindanao. Any thoughts. .........Dave. Attached Images

24th December 2013, 10:38 PM	#5
DaveS Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 327	Unusual Barong Nirghosa: I bought it from a dealer in the Philippines. I knew it wasn't that old, but i just liked the overall look and the quality......Dave.

20th December 2013, 11:14 PM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	yep. most likely from Lanao, second quarter of the century. notice how the handguard is similar to the gunongs that came from that area...

21st December 2013, 08:11 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I totally agree with Ron. This is Maranao okir work and is more recent. They still do this work in Marawi City in Maranao territory. Nice metal-work. Best recent okir blade work from this area I have seen.

24th December 2013, 04:01 AM	#4
Nirghosa Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 119	Lovely Maranao barong. Did you purchase it? I have seen pictures of this one. Far nicer than most Maranao pieces, there aren't that many.

25th December 2013, 12:14 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	Yes, barong are not Maranao but Sulu. However, in recent years, Maranao artists have been making "Maranao-ized" barongs.

31st December 2013, 04:04 AM	#7
Nirghosa Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 119	Yes, there are some marked differences but there can be some very nice Maranao barongs (as this thread clearly shows). The feel is a bit different but my Maranao barong is one of favorite cutting items. Congratulations on an excellent purchase Dave! One I would love to have as I primarily collect Maranao pieces.