vintage panabas for comment

Ian · 3rd April 2018, 01:39 PM

Hello PBH:

I think what you have is a cousin of the panabas, what is called a tabas that is used mainly for agricultural purposes. I also have one of these smaller examples that is not very old. Even though it is obviously well made, I was told by a friend in Davao City that my example was a tool rather than a weapon.

As far as the age of yours, I would say late 20th C.--perhaps 20-30 years old or thereabouts. There is nothing really distinctive about the piece that would suggest its source of manufacture, but I would guess it is probably from Mindanao. Interesting file work on the end of the blade.

Ian.

3rd April 2018, 01:39 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	Hello PBH: I think what you have is a cousin of the panabas, what is called a tabas that is used mainly for agricultural purposes. I also have one of these smaller examples that is not very old. Even though it is obviously well made, I was told by a friend in Davao City that my example was a tool rather than a weapon. As far as the age of yours, I would say late 20th C.--perhaps 20-30 years old or thereabouts. There is nothing really distinctive about the piece that would suggest its source of manufacture, but I would guess it is probably from Mindanao. Interesting file work on the end of the blade. Ian.