Another Panabas

[drac2k]

I recently acquired this massive panabas (33" long,blade 18.5" x 5" x 3/8" @ the base). This item is unusual to me because it is only the second one that I have seen with a bamboo constructed handle; do these come from a particular region? Also, there is a strange stamp on the blade; is this a maker's mark or a talismanic symbol?

[Battara]

Many that I've seen have come from Mindanao.

This looks small enough to be used as a one handed war blade.

[drac2k]

Thanks for the imput; It is a monster, 33" long and very very heavy!Any idea about the mark on the the blade or was that what you were referring to as an indication that it was from Mindanao?

[Battara]

On the mark - no idea, though I do wonder if it was made from American spring leaf or another source.

Most of these I have seen have been attributed to Mindanao, and pictures of men holding them also seem to come from Mindanao.