Interesting with the ship and mast theory on the spike.
But I assume it's just speculation from the article writer, or?
Also most really old kampilan don't have this spike feature.
On crocodiles they are considered holy ("keramat") in Folk Islam too, especially if they are extraordinary large or white.
In Hindu times they were, like the tiger, connected to Batara Guru - Shiva.
On the origin, old sources, Dusun-attribute etc. we discussed that in depth in this old thread.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5032
Michael