I won't dismiss the N. Borneo theory......
But, this is a rather large hilt and would be inconsistent with a shorter N. Borneo form. Sure Artzi's example has a less "gaping-jaw" of the crocodile form ( or swiftlet tail), but this is an oversize danganan hilt. And as mentioned by others here this sword was most likely carried by someone of great importance...or by his sword-bearer....in which case the danganan would be representative of his torogan....not a crocodile jaw or swiftlet tail.
|