G'day
I hope this piece continues to generate discussion.
Thank you to all for their communication and contribution.
It would do this piece and its maker a disservice to consider it as tool primarily,I think, although it certainly could have been used as such. Not to imply that an agricultural tool is any less valid of course. Perhaps this piece and other weapons also have their origin in agrarian function?
What parameters does one use to establish whether this a "true" panabas?
In the hands of a Moro warrior committed to death it would be a formidable weapon I think.
Measures
Overall lenght:25 in.
Blade length: 12 1/4 in.
Weight: 2 lb 7 oz.
To my eye Handle is made of bamboo root like good kachin daos.
The double beveled edge creates a thickness at cut zone as "thin" as many of my kukris and thicker than my barong example.
Blade has lateral strength to pry floorboards open/wider without taking a set as suggested. I believe the curve to be forged. I t does not flex easily. I would not subject my barong to this level of stress.
Dings in spine could have come through forceful blows against stationary metal object,I think, or forged purposefully? I tend to agree with Rick that abuse of some kind is likely.
Maurice and Migueldiaz, Thank you for your references as I can find little else published on these items.
Regarding rattan knot am I correct in thinking that mandaus have similiar?
Best regards to all,
Daniel