Malay Keris For Comment.

[khalifah muda]

Originally Posted by mykeris

Perhaps, these would help.

It looks more serpent to me, can be a culah. A form of dragon. Which belief to guard the seas, ancient belief there supposed to have one culah guarding one's country's sea or there are 7 numbers for the seven seas.

Back then it was part of ancient rituals to such creature sea as form of guard being it be for sea battle, fishery or any activities involving the sea waters.

[Amuk Murugul]

Hullo everybody,

...... It all depends on one's perception...

There are two mythical creatures which are usually linked, .....
the Naga and the Makara.
When depicted together, the Naga is often seen issuing forth from the mouth of the Makara...
In all the hilts of the preceding posts, only the opener looks different. All the others look similar to each other.
Remembering that the Makara has the characteristics of crocodile, elephant and serpent, I tend to think that the opening picture is that of a Naga hilt, while the other three hilts are indeed Makaras.( As a matter of fact, Nagas have traditionally been depicted with 'cowls', like cobras, going around the back of their heads. In some areas, these 'cowls' have become so stylised that they resemble 'crests' and some can easily be mistaken for horns or elephant trunks.
Perhaps Alam Shah would be kind enough to provide us with a picture of a total statue of a Makara-Naga combo, showing the head of a Naga).

Best,

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by Amuk Murugul

..There are two mythical creatures which are usually linked, ... the Naga and the Makara. When depicted together, the Naga is often seen issuing forth from the mouth of the Makara...

Perhaps Alam Shah would be kind enough to provide us with a picture of a total statue of a Makara-Naga combo, showing the head of a Naga)..

As requested.. the naga and the makara..

[Amuk Murugul]

Hullo everybody.....

Thank you Alam Shah, for being so prompt and forthcoming.
Looking at the picture, if I were to carve a hilt to include the Naga 'crest', I would have three obvious choices:

- to leave it jutting up into the air (impractical, unless for ceremonial pieces)

- to bend/curve the 'crest' so that the tip joins the head (for added strength)

- to make the 'crest' 'stumpy'

For practicality and aesthetics without diminishing the symbolism too much, I'd opt for the second choice.
But, .... to each, his own.

Best,

[Alam Shah]

Another example of a makara hilt form.. (sorry for the poor pic quality)..

[mykeris]

Thats nice and logical samples, Alam. Keep it up!