Hello, this would be my first post in the forum, and I must admit I am hesitant, not being confident in my limited knowledge of rather a confusing subject. However, I am interested in the differences between the examples Sajen has shared, and the early excavated examples I am familiar with, (I apologise for the low quality of the figure included) in which the figures are standing rather than seated, more similar to the (admittedly limited number) of dongson hilts I have seen. I wonder what could account for this, and if one group could be identified as older, or of a different region.
Also, I might add, whatever relevance it might have: Bapah Kadir has suggested that the examples found in the area of east Java are characterized by a slight inclination of the head to the right, versus those from west Java are more uniformly upright.
Finally, although somewhat unrelated: I recently read that princess Darawati, (Dwarawati, or Anarawati) who married Kertawijaya (Brawijaya V, or Angka Vijaya?) in the 15th century may not have been from Champa at all, but rather from south Sumatra... I do not know if it's ok to link the blog which asserts this. I would be curious if anyone else has an opinion on the matter.
Ok, I hope my first post remained faux pas free!
-Alex
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