The
Panabas is a large, forward-curved sword, used by certain ethnic groups in the southern Philippines. It can range in size from 2 to 4 feet and can be held with one or both hands, delivering a deep, meat cleaver-like cut.
In its heyday, it was used as a combat weapon, as an execution tool, and as a display of power. Occasional use as an agricultural and butchering tool has also been noted.
Usage:While the Panabas is now rare and there are thus no contemporary cases of its use in battle, stories from and prior to the American colonial era describe it as being used for mop-up operations. It is said that warriors wielding Panabas would form a rear guard and, following in the steps of warriors in front, use the panabas to quickly dispatch any survivors. In terms of its function as a weapon, similarities have been noted between the Panabas and the western battle-axe.
Because of its effectiveness at chopping through meat, Panabas was known favored for use in executions. As such, the panabas also came to symbolize a datu's power - a demonstration of his ability to control violence.
reference: wikipedia
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