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Sword (Barong)
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This sword has a broad, leaf-shaped blade characteristic of the Sulu Archipelago. Its profile suggests it was used for powerful cut-and-slash fighting. The ivory pommel, inlaid with black hardwood, takes the form of a stylized cockatoo (<em>kakatua</em>). This feature, along with the finely worked horn grip, indicates that this was a prestige weapon owned by a member of the warrior nobility.
| Artist / Maker | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1800s |
| Culture / Origin | Philippines |
| Medium | Blade: steel; handle: silver with braided wire; pommel: ivory with carabao horn inlay |
| Dimensions | Overall: 64.2 cm (25 1/4 in.); Blade: 42 cm (16 9/16 in.) |
| Department | Oceania |
| Type | Arms and Armor |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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