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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 hilt, carved from <em>kamagong</em> hardwood, terminates in an elongated ivory cockatoo (<em>kakatua</em>) pommel. Decorative ivory inlay is embedded into the <em>kamagong</em> surface, forming geometric and dotted patterns that follow the natural curves of the hilt.
| Artist / Maker | Philippines, Mindanao |
|---|---|
| Date | before 1918 |
| Culture / Origin | Philippines, Mindanao |
| Medium | Blade: metal; grip: silver; handle: wood with ivory inlay |
| Dimensions | Overall: 59.8 cm (23 9/16 in.); Blade: 38.1 cm (15 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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