SEA sword - Barong? Tourist?

Ian · 23rd July 2006, 02:53 PM

The inscribed markings on this blade are similar to those seen on barung from N. Borneo. Made for the local market as well as for the tourist trade, barung are still being produced in N. Borneo.

The blade profile on this one is narrower than a Moro barung. Although the recent N. Borneo versions tend to be narrower than those seen from the Sulu area, I don't think your blade would classify as a barung -- perhaps a gayang or simply a parang.

A few years ago on the old forum I posted pictures of N. Borneo barung, and that thread is here: http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001304.html

That thread included some very nice pictures from John of a local market in Sabah where recently made knives and swords were on display. Blades of similar profile to yours can be seen in his pictures.

Hope this is helpful.

Ian.

23rd July 2006, 02:53 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Northern Borneo The inscribed markings on this blade are similar to those seen on barung from N. Borneo. Made for the local market as well as for the tourist trade, barung are still being produced in N. Borneo. The blade profile on this one is narrower than a Moro barung. Although the recent N. Borneo versions tend to be narrower than those seen from the Sulu area, I don't think your blade would classify as a barung -- perhaps a gayang or simply a parang. A few years ago on the old forum I posted pictures of N. Borneo barung, and that thread is here: http://www.vikingsword.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/001304.html That thread included some very nice pictures from John of a local market in Sabah where recently made knives and swords were on display. Blades of similar profile to yours can be seen in his pictures. Hope this is helpful. Ian. Last edited by Ian; 23rd July 2006 at 03:09 PM.