Malay Keris For Comment.

[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!