The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 20, 2025

Scabbard

1800s

Philippines

Wood
Overall: 49.3 cm (19 7/16 in.)
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.766
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The two halves of this scabbard are glued together, instead of attached by lashing.

Description

This wooden scabbard was produced to house a barong blade, probably for a Maranao or Tausug community. It was carved from a single piece of hardwood, tapering toward the tip and widening slightly at the mouth. The upper section features scrolling okir motifs, while the rounded tip is decorated with finely pierced okir carving, forming a lace-like pattern characteristic of the Islamic groups of the southern Philippines.
  • ?–1916
    Mr. Jeptha Homer Wade II [1857–1926], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1916–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Scabbard|url=false|author=|year=1800s|access-date=20 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.766