Small panabas; woman's or child's ?

drac2k · 23rd December 2013, 03:55 AM

I recently purchased a panabas at an auction that didn't give any dimensions; when it arrived, I was surprised at it's size.Overall length 22",the blade measures approx. 11" long, 2.5" at it's widest and 3/16" thick at the base.
It appears to be a hand forged blade, very sharp and it has some "age," to it ;had this been a heavy panabas like my others, I wouldn't have thought twice about.It still could be a formidable weapon.
Did the make these for women or even children or could it be a "tourist," piece?

CharlesS · 23rd December 2013, 12:46 PM

This is no tourist piece. The quality seems typical to late 19th century and early 20th century types and styles that have likely been in service far longer than that. It looks every bit a quality piece, even retaining its lime(?) fill. The patina speaks for itself.

A panabas is every bit as much a practical tool as it is a weapon. It is a classic chopper and used for cutting through brush, jungle etc.

It only makes sense that there are varying sizes for various jobs. I have seen ones far smaller than this one and in different styles.

Personally, I think far too much is made of the panabas being a beheader/executioner's axe. While it may have been called into duty for that once and a while, I think its primary purpose was as a tool, than a weapon. Panabases are relatively prevalent though they differ dramatically in style and quality....were they all intended as beheaders, there would be no Moros left to fight in the Moro Wars!!!

drac2k · 23rd December 2013, 02:01 PM

Thanks for the information ; interesting that there are panabas this small and smaller.Can I infer that the smaller panabas were primarily used for agriculture, and the larger ones for war ?

CharlesS · 23rd December 2013, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

Thanks for the information ; interesting that there are panabas this small and smaller.Can I infer that the smaller panabas were primarily used for agriculture, and the larger ones for war ?

I think we can assume(dangerous word!) that. But, that said, I have seen many shorter ones that were plenty battle worthy.

Sajen · 23rd December 2013, 06:50 PM

Nice panabas! Still look for one and would be happy with this nice example!

Regards,

Detlef

drac2k · 23rd December 2013, 09:35 PM

Thanks. If one waits long enough, usually, what one wishes for will come along ;I bet yours is just around the corner.I was fortunate enough to get a beautiful Moro spear at the same auction.8 feet long with a razor sharp 14 " head(possibly twist core ??), super straight.It is rare to get a spear in that long, as they were usually "barrack cut," for easier transportation back home.
Regards,
David

23rd December 2013, 03:55 AM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	Small panabas; woman's or child's ? I recently purchased a panabas at an auction that didn't give any dimensions; when it arrived, I was surprised at it's size.Overall length 22",the blade measures approx. 11" long, 2.5" at it's widest and 3/16" thick at the base. It appears to be a hand forged blade, very sharp and it has some "age," to it ;had this been a heavy panabas like my others, I wouldn't have thought twice about.It still could be a formidable weapon. Did the make these for women or even children or could it be a "tourist," piece? Attached Images Last edited by drac2k; 23rd December 2013 at 09:39 PM.

23rd December 2013, 12:46 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	This is no tourist piece. The quality seems typical to late 19th century and early 20th century types and styles that have likely been in service far longer than that. It looks every bit a quality piece, even retaining its lime(?) fill. The patina speaks for itself. A panabas is every bit as much a practical tool as it is a weapon. It is a classic chopper and used for cutting through brush, jungle etc. It only makes sense that there are varying sizes for various jobs. I have seen ones far smaller than this one and in different styles. Personally, I think far too much is made of the panabas being a beheader/executioner's axe. While it may have been called into duty for that once and a while, I think its primary purpose was as a tool, than a weapon. Panabases are relatively prevalent though they differ dramatically in style and quality....were they all intended as beheaders, there would be no Moros left to fight in the Moro Wars!!! Last edited by CharlesS; 23rd December 2013 at 03:40 PM.

23rd December 2013, 09:35 PM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	Thanks. If one waits long enough, usually, what one wishes for will come along ;I bet yours is just around the corner.I was fortunate enough to get a beautiful Moro spear at the same auction.8 feet long with a razor sharp 14 " head(possibly twist core ??), super straight.It is rare to get a spear in that long, as they were usually "barrack cut," for easier transportation back home. Regards, David Attached Images

23rd December 2013, 02:01 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	Thanks for the information ; interesting that there are panabas this small and smaller.Can I infer that the smaller panabas were primarily used for agriculture, and the larger ones for war ?

23rd December 2013, 06:50 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Nice panabas! Still look for one and would be happy with this nice example! Regards, Detlef