Hello,
The pommels on kris are traditionally aligned with the greneneg carving on the base of the blade. The elephant trunk is the front, and the "dragon tail" is back. If the blade is sheathed in the scabbard in the manner appropriate for a correct draw, with the elephant head still pointed forward, would it make sense for the pommel decoration (the cokatua head or horse hoof) to face backwards?
If the handle was intentionally kept "backwards" then the pommel would point into the body when the sword is sheathed and worn in the traditional manner, thrust through a sash.
A backward position also digs into the wrist when held with the "tail" guarding the back of the hand. I don't see the sense in this disposition
Emanuel