A beautiful Burmese dha dated 1798

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Ian

One last comment on the original subject of this thread.

I have received comments that the head on the pommel of Mark's sword is a representation of RAHU who appears in the Vedas as the God of the Underworld and is depicted in the iconography of diverse Buddhist groups in SE Asia. Details about RAHU and his disembodied head can be found here. He is designated as the astrological god of the north pole of the moon, and more powerful than the Sun God whom he swallows during an eclipse. He's a powerful dude!


Ian.

If this hilt is as I feel it is, a much later addition by Thai craftsmen it would be appropriate to say the form is Rahu as it is more often known in their iconography.
If by some miracle, this is a true marriage if hilt and blade, with regards to the iconography throughout the sword type, it should be a representation of Balu.

Gavin

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

If this hilt is as I feel it is, a much later addition by Thai craftsmen it would be appropriate to say the form is Rahu as it is more often known in their iconography.
If by some miracle, this is a true marriage if hilt and blade, with regards to the iconography throughout the sword type, it should be a representation of Balu.

Gavin

Hi Gavin:

I think you mean "Belu" rather than "Balu." Balu (Baloo) is the cuddly bear character from "The Jungle Book."

Ian.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Gavin:

I think you mean "Belu" rather than "Balu." Balu (Baloo) is the cuddly bear character from "The Jungle Book."

Ian.

Ian

Either or is acceptable, or Bilu if you like :-), Beloo has been written too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythic...rmese_folklore

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilu_Island

Gavin