Need help on what type this sword is!!!

philkid · 22nd April 2005, 03:00 AM

Actually I bought it also from a Maranao. But what bothers me is the pommel. Moro doesn't have a pommel like these on their swords. I guess it is Visayan then. As you can see on the picture this sword has been used. It once belonged to a "barabgay tanod" in Lanao. A barangay tanod is a local civilian enforcer. The blade on this sword is solidly built and I think it is not made as tourist sword. I guess it is a Visayan sword spiced up with Maranao flavor.

Thanks again guys.

Federico · 22nd April 2005, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philkid

Actually I bought it also from a Maranao. But what bothers me is the pommel. Moro doesn't have a pommel like these on their swords. I guess it is Visayan then. As you can see on the picture this sword has been used. It once belonged to a "barabgay tanod" in Lanao. A barangay tanod is a local civilian enforcer. The blade on this sword is solidly built and I think it is not made as tourist sword. I guess it is a Visayan sword spiced up with Maranao flavor.

Thanks again guys.

I know there have been a lot (and that is an understatement) of Visayan immigrants to Moroland in the past 100 years, could perhaps that be part of the reason for the fusion of motif's?

Ian · 22nd April 2005, 10:18 PM

Some time ago, way back on the old forum, I posted a barung variant with similar "naga-like" hilt and carved scabbard. That one came from an antique store in Manila with a tag indicating Lanao del Sur as the area of manufacture. I'm inclined to think this one has a similar origin. Will try to post pictures of mine this wekend.

I agree with the thought that this one dates from the late 20th C. but it sems to have been well made -- the blade may have a hardened edge which may show better by etching it.

Ian.

Ian · 23rd April 2005, 05:35 PM

Here are pictures of the one I mentioned yestrday. The okir work on the scabbard is similar to okir work on the blade above, and the "naga" hilt is well defined. The scabbard also has a similar "fish tail" tip and drilled piece of wood for a cord to suspend the scabbard from the waist.

As I mentioned before, this one comes from Lanao del Sur in the heart of Maranao country. It was probably 10-20 years ago -- I picked it up in the mid-1990s.

Ian.

23rd April 2005, 05:35 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Pictures of another odd "Moro" sword Here are pictures of the one I mentioned yestrday. The okir work on the scabbard is similar to okir work on the blade above, and the "naga" hilt is well defined. The scabbard also has a similar "fish tail" tip and drilled piece of wood for a cord to suspend the scabbard from the waist. As I mentioned before, this one comes from Lanao del Sur in the heart of Maranao country. It was probably 10-20 years ago -- I picked it up in the mid-1990s. Ian.

22nd April 2005, 03:00 AM	#1
philkid Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Philippines Posts: 52	Actually I bought it also from a Maranao. But what bothers me is the pommel. Moro doesn't have a pommel like these on their swords. I guess it is Visayan then. As you can see on the picture this sword has been used. It once belonged to a "barabgay tanod" in Lanao. A barangay tanod is a local civilian enforcer. The blade on this sword is solidly built and I think it is not made as tourist sword. I guess it is a Visayan sword spiced up with Maranao flavor. Thanks again guys.

22nd April 2005, 10:18 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Some time ago, way back on the old forum, I posted a barung variant with similar "naga-like" hilt and carved scabbard. That one came from an antique store in Manila with a tag indicating Lanao del Sur as the area of manufacture. I'm inclined to think this one has a similar origin. Will try to post pictures of mine this wekend. I agree with the thought that this one dates from the late 20th C. but it sems to have been well made -- the blade may have a hardened edge which may show better by etching it. Ian.