BINUAYA/BINUWAYA MAGUINDANAO

[Ian]

Yves,

Thank you again for clarifying the use of this interesting sword. There is a form of panabas that has a somewhat similar shaped blade as your binuwaya that has been called a padsumbalin panabas. Are they the same? I notice you use padsumbalin to describe the condemned criminal. The term padsumbalin panabas appears in Robert Cato's book I think.

[tanaruz]

Originally Posted by Ian

Yves,

Thank you again for clarifying the use of this interesting sword. There is a form of panabas that has a somewhat similar shaped blade as your binuwaya that has been called a padsumbalin panabas. Are they the same? I notice you use padsumbalin to describe the condemned criminal. The term padsumbalin panabas appears in Robert Cato's book I think.

Hello Ian,

Padsumbalin (Maguindanao term-not sure with the other moro group)- literally means the act of 'slitting' (i.e., the throat of a condemned criminal(Note: not to chop or lop the head off- as this was not 'proper' for them).

The binuayas in our collection is the classical, accepted form of the blade (this is because of the 3-nation representation of Maguindanao bangsamoro). The blade form must adhere to this form.

Since the term padsumbalin literally means the act of slitting the throat- perhaps other blades (besides the binuaya) might be used, or thought of to be used, for slitting throats, hence the term padsumbalin. IMHO.

'Padsumbalin panabas'. Unlike the binuaya whose length (size) they say is just right to be used for slitting throats, the panabas (from the word 'tabas') literally, in my opinion is best for 'chopping'. It's larger (than the binuaya) Our source say that wielders of the panabas, during battle, would chop (not slit) the wounded or disabled enemy.

Having said this- the term 'padsumbalin panabas', for us is quite hazy.

Saludos,

Yves

PS: do you have a picture of the so-called padsumbalin panabas?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by tanaruz

PS: do you have a picture of the so-called padsumbalin panabas?

Here is mine.

[tanaruz]

Hello,

yes. I believe that's another form of a panabas. To coin the word pedsumbalin to it could mean that it might have been used/could be used to slit throats in the battlefield.

My father would like to share the ff terminologies:Maguindanaon

SUMBALI - future tense. what will be done to a convicted criminal (tittle- maranao);

PEDSUMBALIN - present tense. what is being done to the criminal

SINUMBALI- past tense. what was done.

The weapon/blade used is called IBANUMBALI.

Saludos,

Yves

[Ian]

Yves,

Thanks again for the etymology of that blade type. Very helpful.

You note that the weapon/blade is called Ibanumbali. I see the prefix Iban in that word and it brings to mind the Iban people of Borneo, also known as Sea Dyaks to English-speaking colonials. The Iban were part of the pirate groups that swarmed the southern China Sea, and others included the Iranun from Mindanao, who were closely related to the Maranao and Maguindanao groups.

I'm wondering whether the Iban in Ibanumbali has a connection to the Iban people of Borneo, and that the weapon/blade has something to do with them (perhaps introduced via the Iranun who would have had direct contact with them). I know that sounds convoluted, but it is a thought that came to mind on seeing the term that you used.

[Ian]

Some further pictures from the Archives here, of various sizes, age and quality. I still have the top one, which is sharpened along the curve of the back edge also. The othr two are owned by other members of this Forum and I think are also sharpened on the back edge.

.

[tanaruz]

Originally Posted by Ian

Some further pictures from the Archives here, of various sizes, age and quality. I still have the top one, which is sharpened along the curve of the back edge also. The othr two are owned by other members of this Forum and I think are also sharpened on the back edge.

.

Hi,

No. It is not associated with the headhunting tribe Iban(sea dayaks) of Borneo nor associated with the Iranun.

It's a term which simply describe the type of blade (binuaya) in the Maguindanaon dialect.

Note: lovely panabas pics!

Saludos,

Yves