[Ian]

Mark:

I think there is an example of the type of knife you had in mind at this URL:
http://www.hvl.bia.edu/GLVM/Don%20Pe...o_bowl_set.htm

It is used to slice and dice tobacco leaves, typically on a wooden board or bowl. I think the example in the link above is used for Native American ceremonies.

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Mike:

Thanks for the pictures and ideas. Philippines is one possibility, certainly. And there is a substantial Filipino-Enchin (Chinese) community throughout the Philippines.

The dog head machete that you show looks a lot like the West Indies variety of ornamental machetes that often have carved heads of natives on the pommel, and a wire wrap to the lower part of the grip. If the blade is stamped "Robert Mole & Sons," then I'm sure it is from the West Indies. Sure looks like a Mole blade from its shape and the multiple fullers.

The bottom picture looks like a dog hilt on a Luzon (Philippines) knife.

Thanks again for those ideas -- keep 'em coming!

Ian.

Picture added from web site listed above: