This is a classic sword of the Moro people of the southern Philippines and of the Sulu Sultanate area called a barong. These swords have a distinctive form that is specific to this region of South East Asia and the southern Philippines, though it is believed that they are related to the Indonesian badik knife, though in a greatly expanded and enlarged form. The barong has a distinct leaf shaped blade which is an effective cutting and slicing form, and may be used for stabbing depending on the profile the smith develops. Barong blades are often thick and heavy with the weight aiding in the slicing capability of this sword. Older blades can range from small lengths of 8" upwards to 22" which is uncommon. In some cases barong blades are also patterned in lamellar patterns and in rarer examples with twist core iron. Some blades were also known to either have been traded from China, and are marked with a series of Chinese characters, or were marked by Moro smiths as a mark of quality with pseudo-marks which are unintelligible. The handles are simple in design except in the pommel which in some examples has a distinctive interpretation of a cockatua showing a vestigial appropriation of the form. Often handles would be made from finely patterned wood representing the social class of the owner. Especially fine Datuas examples would be made of a variety of rare materials including in some cases kamagong wood with contrasting inlays. There is contention that barongs may be attributed to tribe based on the angle of the pommel to the grip, with barongs featuring a 45 degree tilt to the cockatua asTausug while those with a sharp angle as Samal or Yakan. Cato (1996) describes a near identical jungayyan hilted barong as magnificently carved jungayyan barung hilt of rich darkkamagong wood with contrasting inlays. Such pieces are rare. This example in the Schmiedt Collection is of exceptional quality workmanship and a Datu'sbarong and displays a rare form of two-toned jungayyan cockatoo with a finely carved form. The grip with additional silver wire wrapping, also near identical to the piece illustrated in Cato(1996; pl. 22) wrapping and a finely chased silver ferrule, or punto. The blade of classic barong profile, with a thick spine.Total length (inside scabbard if present) : 27 1/2", Blade length : 15 3/4" x 2 3/4". ~ . Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com