Malay Keris For Comment.

[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,