Chicken's Teeth

[Federico]

Ivory Barong, arent all that common, and when they do pop up they normally command prices, that well I never imagined I could afford and therefore never own. But due to a number of twists of fate, one has found its way into my possesion.

This is a 1930s era barong. The scabbard is un-original, but very very well done (definitely 30s era). The actual sword itself may be slightly older, but I would guess probably not. Nicely laminated blade, the ivory shows much better patina than the picture shows. The punto (ferrule/sleeve) is swaasa (a alloyed red-gold) and silver wire.
As is noticeable in the picture, some wire is missing on the cockatua. I am contemplating replacing it, or just removing the excess wire, becuase underneath the wire on the cockatua, are nice little carabao horn spacers that make a beautiful black contrast to the creamy white of the ivory. This piece was purchased in remembrance of my father, and will be one of my pusaka (heirlooms) to my son when my day comes.

 

[Ferrous Wheel]

need another son?

Keith

 

[Federico]

I always thought it was supposed to be the older guy who is the father At 23 years old, one son is enough for me right now

 

[BruiseLeee]

Walosi didn't adopt me so I'm still available to be someone's heir. Winter is coming and it's getting cold at the orphanage.

 

[Federico]

Ah the HI orphanage, so far Ferrous and Bruise are up for sale...ahem I mean adoption

 

[Tohatchi NM]

I think Uncle will have better luck with the purses than Bruise or Ferrous.

 

[Federico]

Perhaps Bruise and Ferrous could come complimentary with the purses

 

[Bill Martino]

I can't see the pix but I've got a scar from a chicken bite.

 

[Bill Martino]

Now I can see the pix and it looks better than my chicken bite scar.

 

[Federico]

I've got a scar from a chicken bite

 

[BruiseLeee]

If you report a chicken bite will the animal control people put it down?

 

[Pappy]

I reckon it means the same thing but, Grand Mother used to talk about things being "Scarcer than Hen's teeth". Just a different part of the country I suppose.

It may not be a khuk but, I still wouldn't want any one chasing me with that thing. Looks good!

 

[Federico]

If you report a chicken bite will the animal control people put it down?

So does that mean the chicken will get fried (eg. electric chair) :barf:

 

[Kismet]

blazes did those fine carvings on the butt survive? I was afraid to look too hard at them, they seem to delicate and exquisitely done.

Yet, it appears that this was no wall-hanging piece. Might it have been a ceremonial blade?


Kis

 

[Federico]

Kis

Actually if you flip the barong over, the other side of the fine carvings is broken off. Ill try and repair when I have the chance.

While this was definitely the barong of a prominent Datu, all Moro swords from the lowest of timawa to the wealthiest Sultan's were made to be ready for war. Moro's, well Filipino's in general (at least in the past), only followed leaders who were strong. A Datu that didnt lead his followers in combat, would soon loose them. So while there did exist hilts that displayed status, every Moro Sword was very much capable of getting the job done, so to speak.

 

[Thunderchyld]

I was just surfing some older threads and found this one. Federico, I've got 2 barongs very similar to that one that have been passed down im my family for a while, there's a story about them that goes with them(IE how they came to be in possession of a family from WI), but I'd have to ask my father for the full story(as I don't feel like screwing up with a half story).

What I'd like to know is if you know of any place that would be able to give me a history report, so to speak, on the two that I have. Next time I visit my parents(should be this week, actually), I'll take a couple pictures of them and post them, to see what people think.

TC

 

[Bill Martino]

Fed will be able to report.

 

[not2sharp]

Very nice.

So does that mean the chicken will get fried (eg. electric chair)

Usually a deep fryer works just fine.

n2s

 

[not2sharp]

Federico,

How does it work with barongs; should collectors preserve them or restore them?

Usually with most antiques, with the possible exception of Japanese swords, you ill advise to try to do any restoration. You should only do just enough to protect and maintain the piece. Anything more will make the item less desirable, and can actually kill the integrity and value of the item.

n2s

 

[Federico]

N2S when I started out, I had the dont touch attitude. But the more I learn, and get familiar with traditional forms, the more I realize how much most Moro swords have been messed around with. Ideally one should not have to restore if you have a good piece that is in excellent condition. However, how often does that occur, and when it does the wallet sure tells. As to the ethics of restoration of Moro Swords that depends on the collector. I personally like restoring stuff, but many others do not. I wrote an essay on my website about the ethics of restoration. However, I will say many who are very vocal against restoration cannot spot a good restoration job.

TC post or email pics, and I can help you with a little history on the pieces. However I do not do appraisals, so I will not be able to give you a dollar figure of what your item is worth, I can try and ball-park, but I prefer not to.