Artwork Page for Scabbard

Details / Information for Scabbard

Scabbard

1800s

Philippines, Mindanao

Medium
Wood with rattan
Measurements
Overall: 46.7 cm (18 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.769
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The graceful, winglike profile of the scabbard’s mouth is typical of work made by the Muslim populations of the southern Philippines.

Description

The flared form of this wooden scabbard indicates that it was made to house a barong blade, probably belonging to the Maranao, Tausug, or Yakan people. The upper section features incised scroll-like motifs, similar to the stylized floriate designs common in southern Philippine okir carving traditions. Several bands of rattan lashings reinforce the sheath, adding both structural stability and decorative rhythm.
A dark brown wood scabbard tapers from an ornate top to a narrow tip. Scrolling openwork embellishes the upper section, with one side extending outward and the other curling inward. Five horizontal sets of light tan rattan bands encircle the wood at intervals. The lowermost rattan coil wraps tightly several times around the point, while the upper bands form distinct ridges against the smooth grain.

Scabbard

1800s

Philippines, Mindanao

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