Panabas!!

Bill M · 11th February 2007, 11:29 AM

Older, but well cared for. Heavy laminated blade.

I have thought of panabas as agricultural pieces (weed cutters), or grunt pieces for mopping up battles, or execution pieces- head loppers. This piece doesn't seem to fit any of those categories.

Comments?

VVV · 11th February 2007, 11:54 AM

That's a nice one (as well as the Barong

).
Maybe this one, like the Keris Panjang, was more used as a power symbol than an actual war "tool"?

Michael

Flavio · 11th February 2007, 12:41 PM

Bill, these are really beautiful! Have you already thought to use the panabas to chop wood?

FenrisWolf · 11th February 2007, 01:00 PM

They certainly are interesting weapons! Two of them sold recently on ebay; here's a link to one of them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lg-Two-Handed-Sw...QQcmdZViewItem

One was 37" long, the second a monster 47"! Both were nice pieces, the larger one solid and serviceable, but the shorter one was a real work of art (the above link is to the short one) that was, in my opinion, museum grade. It's worth visiting the ads if for no other reason than to copy the pics for references. Not too many of the blades, unfortunately, but some nice closeups of the handles.

Bill M · 11th February 2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenrisWolf

They certainly are interesting weapons! Two of them sold recently on ebay; here's a link to one of them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lg-Two-Handed-Sw...QQcmdZViewItem

One was 37" long, the second a monster 47"! Both were nice pieces, the larger one solid and serviceable, but the shorter one was a real work of art (the above link is to the short one) that was, in my opinion, museum grade. It's worth visiting the ads if for no other reason than to copy the pics for references. Not too many of the blades, unfortunately, but some nice closeups of the handles.

Now THAT one is pretty!

FenrisWolf · 11th February 2007, 01:31 PM

Yup! I didn't even bother bidding after losing out on the first one, especilly since I'm trying to break the habit of trying to have a little of everything!

But as to yours; after looking at the pics of the ebay piece and comparing it to yours, I'd have to agree to the ceremonial/status symbol concept. The flat surfaces of the hilt may lend themselves well to ornamental carving, but I can't imagine they'd be very comfortable for regular use. Perhaps a chief's symbol signifying his power of high justice (he must be the chief, he can cut off your head!)?

11th February 2007, 11:29 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Panabas!! Older, but well cared for. Heavy laminated blade. I have thought of panabas as agricultural pieces (weed cutters), or grunt pieces for mopping up battles, or execution pieces- head loppers. This piece doesn't seem to fit any of those categories. Comments? Attached Images

11th February 2007, 11:54 AM	#2
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	That's a nice one (as well as the Barong ). Maybe this one, like the Keris Panjang, was more used as a power symbol than an actual war "tool"? Michael

11th February 2007, 12:41 PM	#3
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Bill, these are really beautiful! Have you already thought to use the panabas to chop wood?

11th February 2007, 01:00 PM	#4
FenrisWolf Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181	They certainly are interesting weapons! Two of them sold recently on ebay; here's a link to one of them: http://cgi.ebay.com/Lg-Two-Handed-Sw...QQcmdZViewItem One was 37" long, the second a monster 47"! Both were nice pieces, the larger one solid and serviceable, but the shorter one was a real work of art (the above link is to the short one) that was, in my opinion, museum grade. It's worth visiting the ads if for no other reason than to copy the pics for references. Not too many of the blades, unfortunately, but some nice closeups of the handles.

11th February 2007, 01:31 PM	#6
FenrisWolf Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181	Yup! I didn't even bother bidding after losing out on the first one, especilly since I'm trying to break the habit of trying to have a little of everything! But as to yours; after looking at the pics of the ebay piece and comparing it to yours, I'd have to agree to the ceremonial/status symbol concept. The flat surfaces of the hilt may lend themselves well to ornamental carving, but I can't imagine they'd be very comfortable for regular use. Perhaps a chief's symbol signifying his power of high justice (he must be the chief, he can cut off your head!)?