Unusual Panabas

drac2k · 11th November 2017, 05:03 PM

I got lucky recently and I was able to acquire this panabas and add it to my small but growing panabai(?), collection.It measures 32" long, the blade is 20" by 3.5" at it's widest and 3/8" thick at the base of the spine.
What makes it unusual for me is the inserted metal bar near the tip, the inlay and the centipede or serpent carved in the blade on both sides.
It is very heavy and sharp and try as I could I have been unable to find a similar example.

Ian · 11th November 2017, 06:10 PM

Hi Drac:

Most unusual. I've not seen another one like it. Good find.

I'm assuming the yellow metal fittings are brass or some other copper alloy. For such a heavy blade, the rings fixing it to the hilt would need to be especially strong--usually these are substantial iron mounts--so not likely to be a gold alloy IMO. No doubt a piece for someone of prestige.

Congratulations on finding it.

Ian.

drac2k · 11th November 2017, 06:39 PM

Thanks Ian,
It was just pure luck that I got it; only one picture and of poor quality.I knew that it could have been a thin, later made blade , purely for ceremony.
I believe the rings on the handle to be made of brass, with the interior rings made of copper, so that there is 5.5" of continuous metal holding the blade in, as you observed to give it adequate support.

Battara · 12th November 2017, 02:57 AM

Yes great find! Like Ian, I've never seen this form before, and I agree that it is datu class.

Nice brass chasing and copper. The chasing work could be Maguindanao.

Also the engraving looks to be a centipede.

Ian · 12th November 2017, 03:33 PM

Agree with Battara. The depiction is of the Philippine centipede (Scolopendra spinosissima) a poisonous form known to cause occasional deaths from its venomous bite. It can grow up to 25 cm in length.

I came across a few when traveling in the Philippines. Always important to shake out the shoes and clothing!

Ian.

.

drac2k · 12th November 2017, 04:00 PM

I think you guys are spot on with the centipede angle, especially when one sees that picture that you have provided and on this forum, we have seen the reoccurring theme of this insect from time to time.My question is what importance does the centipede play in the Philippine culture; is it based on mythology, etc.?I don't think that it would be my first choice, 2nd or hundredth to embellish a weapon with; especially going into battle when the guy next to me has got an eagle and the other guy might have a viper and they ask me what do I have on my blade and I answer a centipede.

11th November 2017, 05:03 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,237	Unusual Panabas I got lucky recently and I was able to acquire this panabas and add it to my small but growing panabai(?), collection.It measures 32" long, the blade is 20" by 3.5" at it's widest and 3/8" thick at the base of the spine. What makes it unusual for me is the inserted metal bar near the tip, the inlay and the centipede or serpent carved in the blade on both sides. It is very heavy and sharp and try as I could I have been unable to find a similar example. Attached Images

12th November 2017, 03:33 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,255	Agree with Battara. The depiction is of the Philippine centipede (Scolopendra spinosissima) a poisonous form known to cause occasional deaths from its venomous bite. It can grow up to 25 cm in length. I came across a few when traveling in the Philippines. Always important to shake out the shoes and clothing! Ian. . Attached Images

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11th November 2017, 06:10 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,255	Hi Drac: Most unusual. I've not seen another one like it. Good find. I'm assuming the yellow metal fittings are brass or some other copper alloy. For such a heavy blade, the rings fixing it to the hilt would need to be especially strong--usually these are substantial iron mounts--so not likely to be a gold alloy IMO. No doubt a piece for someone of prestige. Congratulations on finding it. Ian.

11th November 2017, 06:39 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,237	Thanks Ian, It was just pure luck that I got it; only one picture and of poor quality.I knew that it could have been a thin, later made blade , purely for ceremony. I believe the rings on the handle to be made of brass, with the interior rings made of copper, so that there is 5.5" of continuous metal holding the blade in, as you observed to give it adequate support.

12th November 2017, 02:57 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,240	Yes great find! Like Ian, I've never seen this form before, and I agree that it is datu class. Nice brass chasing and copper. The chasing work could be Maguindanao. Also the engraving looks to be a centipede.

12th November 2017, 04:00 PM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,237	I think you guys are spot on with the centipede angle, especially when one sees that picture that you have provided and on this forum, we have seen the reoccurring theme of this insect from time to time.My question is what importance does the centipede play in the Philippine culture; is it based on mythology, etc.?I don't think that it would be my first choice, 2nd or hundredth to embellish a weapon with; especially going into battle when the guy next to me has got an eagle and the other guy might have a viper and they ask me what do I have on my blade and I answer a centipede.