Javanese machete??

[tom hyle]

Telabuna; now there is an interesting word
This bears a striking resemblance to a type of (Southern?) European bill. Frankly, I think I would've guessed that, if I came across it. Can't tell from photos; for all I can see the handle could be darkly patinaed ash wood. Even the long tapered ferule would not be completely out of place on European gardening tools, though it's not what is usually seen on bill-knives (AFAIK; there is such a profusion). Where did you get it? Why do you think it's Asian? Is the wood more clearly identifiable in person? BTW, an inlaid edge, forged surfaces, and a fibrous/layery wrought iron body would also be fairly typical of earlier/quality European work swords (in sharp contrast to the modern European military swords). Is the tang emergent at the but t(probably close to conclusive if it is? Not much help if it isn't.....)?