knife and sheath for knife

Catalog Number 34633
Literary Reference , 13839
Cultural Affiliation Moro
Continent Asia
Country Philippines
Region Sulu Archipelago
Island Philippine Islands
Original Name barong
Materials metal, metal; silver, cordage, ivory, wood, rattan
Catalog Description Name: Barong and sheath. Elliptical blade. Part of handle silver covered and cordage braided and coated, upper end of handle of carved ivory. 59 cm. long. sheath of 2 flat pieces of wood ends carved. Sheath bound with narrow strips of rattan. Fighting knife of exceptional beauty. The possession of such a weapon marks the owner is a man of wealth and importance in the community. Each knife is the work of a native smith whose conveniences for working steel are of the simpliest [sic], but the blades he produces are highly tempered. Silver coins furnish the metal from which the ferrules are made, while the hilts are of polished ivory secured from Borneo.

Associated Narratives