Please help to identify, philippines? Panabas?

Ian · 29th April 2021, 11:10 PM

Carlos,

What an attractive and interesting chopper! I'm in agreement with Kai that this is not a panabas, and I might go further and say that it is probably not from the Philippines. The decorative style along the spine of the blade reminds me more of mainland SE Asia or Malaysia, as does the hilt. The striped wood could perhaps be banati, although it is paler and more orange than usual banati, suggesting something else. The pronounced hook on the end of the blade is unusual and should help identify the piece, but I am struggling to recall a similar example from SE Asia.

The forging and filework on the blade are excellent. The tapering width of the blade is flawless. Just a quality piece of work. Obviously made by someone who really knew what he was doing.

Congratulations on finding such an unusual and well made piece. I look forward to hearing what others think of its origins.

Ian.

29th April 2021, 11:10 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,167	Carlos, What an attractive and interesting chopper! I'm in agreement with Kai that this is not a panabas, and I might go further and say that it is probably not from the Philippines. The decorative style along the spine of the blade reminds me more of mainland SE Asia or Malaysia, as does the hilt. The striped wood could perhaps be banati, although it is paler and more orange than usual banati, suggesting something else. The pronounced hook on the end of the blade is unusual and should help identify the piece, but I am struggling to recall a similar example from SE Asia. The forging and filework on the blade are excellent. The tapering width of the blade is flawless. Just a quality piece of work. Obviously made by someone who really knew what he was doing. Congratulations on finding such an unusual and well made piece. I look forward to hearing what others think of its origins. Ian.