Piha Kaetta off the bucket list

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Now to focus in on the Piha Keatta namely in the bird head use on the original style hilt and on the peculiar parrots head at the end of the scabbard. Birdshead decorated hilts seem to have fluttered in from South India and also have graced many fine daggers in Mughal times. In fact, the reality is that over many centuries Indian craftsmen have been openly invited to the Sri Lankan Royal Workshops. It is hardly surprising that inter related designs have permeated Sri Lankan form... naturally and in ways linked to Buddhist and Hindu styles...as well as the obvious regional influences.

Below are a few examples of Indian Bird hilts and the effect onto Sri Lankan weapons...in this case I focus on the Parrot-like Piha Kaetta scabbard tips.~