Two for One

Jim McDougall · 24th September 2023, 09:33 PM

Thank you Ian!
Well noted on the drop down quillon and its presence in many Chinese sword types, including the hudiedao (often in pairs) and used by river 'pirates'. The Chinese influences in the Philippines and archipelagos definitely found some degree of diffusion in vessels returning from their trade missions.

We know the espada ancha itself evolved from hangers often used on these vessels, so it does not seem surprising that this feature might have been absorbed into many of them. It is very difficult to fully comprehend the dynamics of these kinds of diffusion through trade networks, but the outcome can be seen in these kinds of similarities.

It is interesting on the panabas, as Ian has well noted, the dual purpose of edged weapons as both tool and weapon is not only common, but often inevitable.

drac2k · 25th September 2023, 04:18 PM

I thought that the panabas was a little unusual in that it had a 22" long handle (longer than normal in comparison to the length of the blade),and it appears to be made from bamboo which reminded me of a mak .Due to the fact that the handle is bamboo, easily replaceable, and not adorned, I agree that it was probably an agricultural tool.

24th September 2023, 09:33 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Thank you Ian! Well noted on the drop down quillon and its presence in many Chinese sword types, including the hudiedao (often in pairs) and used by river 'pirates'. The Chinese influences in the Philippines and archipelagos definitely found some degree of diffusion in vessels returning from their trade missions. We know the espada ancha itself evolved from hangers often used on these vessels, so it does not seem surprising that this feature might have been absorbed into many of them. It is very difficult to fully comprehend the dynamics of these kinds of diffusion through trade networks, but the outcome can be seen in these kinds of similarities. It is interesting on the panabas, as Ian has well noted, the dual purpose of edged weapons as both tool and weapon is not only common, but often inevitable. Attached Images

25th September 2023, 04:18 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	I thought that the panabas was a little unusual in that it had a 22" long handle (longer than normal in comparison to the length of the blade),and it appears to be made from bamboo which reminded me of a mak .Due to the fact that the handle is bamboo, easily replaceable, and not adorned, I agree that it was probably an agricultural tool.