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19th C. Philippines Side-Sword

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Asian Antiques Start Price:450.00 USD Estimated At:675.00 - 900.00 USD
19th C. Philippines Side-Sword
Online Auction only, with advance bids accepted at iCollector and at the Gallery. No live bidding
in the Gallery, and tie bids go to the earliest bidder. All proceeds will go 100% to the World Peace Foundation Building Fund of Hadley, MA.
27" long when closed this working weapon has a beveled blade that tapers lightly to its tip. From the Bagobo tribe of central Mindanao, this warriors sword (called a Barong and pictured on page 177 of the UCLA catalog) shows considerable careful sharpening and has a native-made hand-carved wooden scabbard (that has a crack to the wood possibly from being hit by another weapon, and the two sides of that scabbard are a bit loose - but unrepaired). Blade is sharp and dangerous if not handled carefully. The scabbard shown at UCLA is similar and the metal-studded, carved handle here shows the same technique seen on the sides of a musical instrument pictured in the catalog on page 165....along with a photo of some Bagobo musicians on the same page. Scarce so nice snf original.