Big Panabas
 

37" overall length. Iron butt cap. Massive piece. Scabbard.

Just got this. Blade needs some cleaning. Looks like it is laminated.

Call these the "before" pictures. Hope to be able to get on this and stain/etch it, soon.

Blade is sharp on the rounded edge, like most panabas, but also sharp on the pointed tip right up to the decorations.

The next to last picture shows it with my 25" Yakan fighting barong.

Interesting work on the handle. In the recent thread about PI head axes, it seems weapons of this form are widespread in the PI?
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=igorot
Is it possible to explore this and disscus forms, decoration, materials? The one I have has simple geometric patterns cut into the wood handle highlighted with white clay. The rattan work on the handle is almost identicle to Bontoc/Igorot work on a hingalung I have.

Take this example from the thread mentioned. I am sure it is not the only one or form to be found outside of areas traditionally thought of?

Lovely piece, Bill! Serious blade! :eek: Have you seen that iron buttcap before?

Datu Panabases
 

The chasing work on the brass bands looks to be Mindanao, as in Maguindanao or Maranao.

Nice puppy Bill. :)

Hi Tim,

It's looking like that all right. Could it be because that's the blade shape that will most effectively allow somebody to behead a victim lying flat on the ground?

Thus perhaps the development of the blade shape is driven more by practical considerations, rather than cultural ones.

Whatever the reason, Bill, that's one good looking panabas! Am green with envy ;)

What would be the thickness of the blade at its base? Thanks!

Thanks for the info, Jose. Any ideas about age?


Migueldiaz,

Thanks also. The blade is about 3/8" thick at the base. About 10mm.

Thanks, Bill :)

That is definitely going to hurt! ;)

Divorced the last iron butt! :eek: